A Plymouth women’s safety campaigner is welcoming the ‘great news’ that concerns she raised about the closure of a bridge close to the railway station are being tackled by Network Rail.
Charlotte Holloway wrote to the managing director of Network Rail Wales and Western last week raising concerns about safety after the closure of Houndiscombe Bridge in Mutley.
“I’d received many messages from concerned local residents and cyclists on both access and safety grounds, with people who use that route having to take long detours often through unlit areas,” said Ms Holloway.
Network Rail are working on the bridge on Sutherland Road, with work taking place overnight and at weekends. They say the essential maintenance work will help to maintain the lifespan of the bridge.
“It’s great news that their team has listened to the concerns I have raised and as a result
have committed to opening a temporary pathway across the bridge now rather than weeks later in March as originally planned,” said Ms Holloway.
“This also helps local businesses like Wilphy’s who have been affected by the closure. I’m pleased with the way Network Rail have engaged so constructively after receiving my letter and I’d encourage Plymouth City Council to give more consideration in the future to how agreed closures could impact on public safety.”
Ms Holloway added she has had verbal confirmation that the longstanding graffiti on the bridge will be removed as part of the works.
“This is also brilliant news for local residents,” said Ms Holloway.
“It has been an eyesore for far too long.”
Local resident Esme Appleby welcomed the news:
“I’m so grateful for Charlotte Holloway’s campaign and the swift response and commitments from Network Rail. No one should have to walk Plymouth streets in fear, and I hope this will lead to more consideration of what temporary works, however necessary, can build into the design to make sure something like this doesn’t happen again, or is mitigated with well-lit detours.”
