'Removing historic footbridges would be a travesty'

Plans to demolish two footbridges as part of a scheme to refurbish Derbyshire County Council's headquarters have been criticised by some residents.

The authority said it had submitted a planning application for a renovation of County Hall in Matlock, which includes knocking down two footbridges in Smedley Street to accommodate flats and a new hotel.

Many residents have bemoaned the plan, saying the footbridges have visual and historic significance to the town.

However, a council spokesperson told the BBC the bridges are "no longer needed".

The plans - due to be considered by Derbyshire Dales District Council - also include the refurbishment of the Winter Gardens and the demolition of outbuildings which include the former stable block and business centre, as well as general repairs.

The county council has requested to change the south block into a hotel and the north block into flats with commercial space on the ground floor.

This would boost other traders on Smedley Street, which is becoming a recognised destination for local businesses, said the county council, which is also seeking listed building consent for the work.

However, a social media post about the changes prompted a mostly negative reaction to the proposal to remove the bridges.

Andrew Foster, who moved to Matlock 15 years ago from the south of England, said he believed the footbridges had listed status, and would be sad to see them go.

"It's a very well known and historic landmark within Matlock itself - they are visually very interesting," he said.

"The whole hydropathic institute was Matlock's most important building and was largely responsible for the growth of the town in the 19th Century - the bridges are both visually and historically important.

"It would be a real travesty to see them be demolished."

County Hall started life as Smedley's Hydro, and for many years hosted people who visited Matlock to enjoy the waters and take part in a range of treatments.

The county council said it was hoping that much of this history would be brought back to life through the revamp.

A spokesperson added: "We will begin to undertake some work to remove the more recent additions to the buildings, which will enable us to focus on those high-quality heritage aspects we need to protect.

"We have worked closely with heritage specialists to assess the elements of the building which are important and those which detract from the listed status, or are of limited heritage value.

"The bridges will no longer be needed, as we want north block to become homes, and south block to become a hotel and there would be no need for the buildings to be joined as they are now."

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