Park bridge ‘monstrosity’
ABRIDGE which sprang up without warning at a beauty spot has been dubbed a ‘monstrosity’.
The large structure has been built across the River Irwell, in Stacksteads Riverside Park.
Classed as ‘permitted development’, it required no consultation or planning permission so users of the park were left surprised when it appeared.
County council bosses who have erected the bridge as part of the Britannia Greenway route through Rossendale, say it has been designed in line with national standards to allow cyclists and horse riders to cross the river safely.
But its design has left many people unhappy.
Coun Jackie Oakes, for the Stacksteads ward, said: “This monstrosity has been erected by Lancashire County Council.
“No-one really knew about it as it doesn’t need planning permission, it was suddenly there.
“We accept the Green- way is great, so no-one wants to jeopardise it but we are concerned. It’s not in-keeping with the area.
“A very small diversion means horses can cross the river. It is very big, I’m expecting the Tour de France and the Grand National to be relocated to Stacksteads.”
The bridge has not yet been completed and there are hopes steps will be taken to minimise its visual impact - such as adding hanging plants or artwork.
Paul Hayhurst, 61, from Stacksteads Countryside Park Group, said: “The obvi- ous thing that hits you is the size of it.
“It will stand out like a sore thumb and detract a bit from the area.”
Work on the bridge began at the beginning of July with footings being dug out. A smaller one is already in place but does not have room for horses.
A Lancashire County Council spokesman said: “This new bridge is part of the East Lancashire Strategic Cycleway which will create 23km of new multi-user routes and improve 95km of existing routes.
“It needs to accommo- date pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, and the bridge has been designed to national standards to ensure horse riders can cross safely without dismounting.
“Bridges for use by horses must have a solid base so that horses can’t see below the bridge, and parapets strong enough to withstand a horse leaning against them.
“It had to be constructed above the level of the existing footbridge to avoid restricting the flow of the river during flood conditions.”