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Rail bridge to be restored, not replaced - bosses

Richard Price
BBC News, West Midlands
Lee Bottomley
BBC Radio Stoke
Google A railway footbridge at a railway crossing, over the railway tracks. There is a train station in the distance, and a modern red brick building on the other side of the bridge.Google
The bridge is a symbolic part of Nantwich's heritage, local residents say

Rail bosses have moved to reassure people over their plans for a historic footbridge in a Cheshire town.

An online petition had launched by residents in Nantwich in a bid to preserve the railway bridge on Wellington Road.

The petition describes it as a "symbolic part of Nantwich's heritage" and calls for it to be preserved.

Network Rail have now confirmed it was their intention to focus on repairing and renovating the bridge rather than replacing it.

"We appreciate the fondness for, and aesthetic importance of, the bridge at Nantwich," they said.

"The bridge features in our future plans for delivery in 2027/28, but specific dates are yet to be confirmed."

Google A railway footbridge at a railway crossing, over the railway tracks. There is a sign for Nantwich train station at the foot of a set of stairs, and a modern red brick building on the other side of the bridge.Google
Network Rail bosses say they plan to restore the bridge rather than replace it

The petition said any proposal to replace the bridge would risk erasing "a significant part of our town's history" as well as its sentimental value.

"We wish to highlight, that similar historic structures, when well-maintained can continue to serve their primary functions," it added.

They said the town was renowned for its beautiful and historically significant architecture, and urged people to "ensure preservation of our past while we move into the future".

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