Last updated 12:06, Thursday, 21 August 2008

PROGRESS on plans to reinstate a footbridge in Grange has “ground to a halt”, town councillors claim.

But a district council official insisted behind the scenes negotiations are on-going.

The structure, which linked the town with its Edwardian promenade, is being repaired and reconditioned by engineers at BAE Systems in Barrow.

It was removed from its position across the railway line on health and safety grounds in 2006.

Members of Grange Town Council are now set to write to SLDC to ask why the process has stalled.

Councillor Mark Hadwin explained there had been no correspondence on from the authority since it agreed to resume ownership.

He said: “We seemed to be making progress and moving in the right direction with this, but now I can see us sitting here discussing the same thing in 12 months’ time.”

Speaking at a meeting of Grange Town Council, Councillor Ron Shapland added: “As far as we know the council has not become official owner of the bridge. It has been possible for them to do this at any time. We need confirmation that this has in fact gone ahead or the reason if not.”

SLDC sold the bridge to Grange businessman Jimmy Duncan for £1 after its removal following an outcry from town residents.

But the authority agreed to take back ownership this year to allow it to be reinstated across the railway line as quickly as possible.

Matthew Neal, SLDC principal solicitor, explained legal issues surrounding the situation are the reason for the delay.

He said: “There are a number of important contractual issues which are being discussed at the moment including commercial guarantees and possession of the railway line while the bridge is reinstated.

“But I am confident the people of Grange will have their bridge back by next year.”