People air views on new Telford footbridge designs

The first public engagement session has been held over plans to replace the current bridge linking Telford Central station with Telford Shopping Centre.

A stall was set up at the railway station itself, with pictures and information about the new bridge available to see by those using the station.

The bridge will be glass-sided bridge with a lift to take passengers with pushchairs and wheelchairs down to the platforms, from where passengers travel from Telford to Birmingham and Shrewsbury.

It will replace the existing red bridge, which does not comply with disability access requirements.

The old bridge is expected to be retained during the building process to allow passengers to get to and from the town while building work is carried out.

The council hopes to secure all the necessary consents for the project and to engage a contractor by the end of 2016 in order for construction to take place in 2017 and early 2018.

Luke Howells, a highways engineer for Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "We've had a few people come over and most people have been quite receptive to the design.

"The general perception is that it is quite open, less likely to be anti-social behaviour.

"It will be fully lit so it should be a lot safer, as one person said for ladies travelling on their own it can be quite intimidating."

Sally Knight from Overdale was one of those who came to look at plans.

The 27-year-old student and volunteer with Age UK, said: "I do like the design.

"At the moment the bridge is not nice, it is covered in graffiti.

"It will look much better but I am just worried that it may be damaged in the future."

The new bridge will cross over the Birmingham and Shrewsbury railway line, the A442 and Rampart Way, which will be a dual carriageway by the time the bridge is installed.

It will be more accessible for disabled people than the current bridge as it will be less steep.

The bridge, which straddles the railway, the A442 and Rampart Way – which will be a dual carriageway by the time work is complete – is also in two parts, with the narrower section effectively acting as a concourse for the station.

Councillor Angela McClements, Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet member for transport, said: "The public engagement sessions are an opportunity for people to get a first view of the planned footbridge design and give us their feedback. We have worked hard to successfully secure the funding for this major project from the Department for Transport and our aim is to provide an attractive gateway to Telford, which is an iconic landmark and unique to the town."

The next consultation sessions will be held today at Southwater One, between 1pm and 4pm, and on Tuesday, from 8am to 11am, at Telford Central railway station.