Petition Over Canal Bridge Controversy in Woking

By Ladywordsmith | Monday, October 03, 2011, 10:22

Residents who use the Canal bridge currently outside The Lightbox, Woking, were able to see the plans for the proposed bridge on Saturday which connects Brewery Road to the Town Centre.

People looking at the plans of the proposed 'Bedser' Bridge named after Woking's sporting legends
Cllr Ann-Marie Barker explains the layout of the new bridge to passers by
The petition was available for people to sign

Cllr Ann-Marie Barker and others concerned about the design of the bridge collected 500 signatures for the petition which has a deadline of 10 October 2011.

The main concerns voiced by residents groups, are, that at five feet higher than the current bridge, those who have limited mobility, pushchairs and cycle users will have difficulty, especially in icy weather. The higher bridge connects to the proposed WWF building in the area. One resident said 'The bridge has been designed for the convenience of the WWF Office yet is being paid for by Woking taxpayers so we should have a say on how it suits the users and residents, both practically and aesthetically - this design doesn't fit in well with the canal.' Others expressed surprise at the design as being 'very industrial' and felt there was a lack of knowledge and consultation about it. One resident said although there was a lift proposed many don't like to use lifts.

The proposed design for the bridge can be viewed here http://www.woking.gov.uk/search/committee/isysquery/173219b3-e8fc-4b32-8dae-e8e5252b20b6/2/doc/al090803.pdf and the petition is on the Woking Borough Council Website and can be accessed here http://petitions.woking.gov.uk/bridge/