Bradford bridge issue manages to raise a heckle or two

4:10pm Thursday 9th July 2009

By Katie Adams

Members of the public heckled the manager responsible for the project to build an £850,000 bridge across the river Avon to the new £35m Kingston Mill development.

A second public meeting, held at St Margaret’s Hall on Monday following an initial meeting last month, was attended by about 180 people.

Speaking at the meeting, bridge project manager Jack Konynenberg, who has been employed by the town council for the project, said a consultation with residents saw 75 per cent of 400 responses offering no objections to the suspension bridge, which will have a 22 metre mast and will span the river from the Bridge Street car park to the Kingston Mill site, being redeveloped by Linden Homes.

He went on to say that 92 per cent of those asked said they wanted a bridge linking Kingston Mill to the town and 95 per cent of people said they would use it.

But Mr Konynenberg was heckled as some members of the audience shouted concerns.

A spokesman for the Bradford Bridge Concern (BBC) group said after the meeting: “We were all pretty shocked at the meeting at how confident the council were with their plans. It almost seemed like the plans had gone through and been approved.

“There are about 20 of us in the group now and although we aren’t opposed to the bridge, we are opposed to the design and the cost.

“We have been in touch with several companies that make bridges and it seems it is possible to get a bridge for half the price of this design.”

Despite the heckling, town mayor Cllr Isabel Martindale, said: “Tonight’s meeting was arranged for further input and to present amendments “A good majority of the overall feedback indicates positive support for a new bridge which would present a safer crossing for cyclists and pedestrians of all ages.”

She said the Kingston Mills development will be in danger of almost becoming an isolated gated community if the bridge does not go ahead.

The new structure would be made out of Corten, the steel used to make the Angel of the North, with stainless steel handrails.

People attending the meeting were told about slight design amendments, including the removal of steps leading down to the library, to ensure smooth access for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

The footbridge working committee has already raised £250,000 towards the costs, with the rest to be raised through grants and fundraising.

Subject to the outcome of the public consultation, a planning application will be submitted this summer and if approved, work could begin early next year.