Footbridge reopens after 'unusual' railings theft

Emergency repairs have been carried out on a city footbridge after it was vandalised and safety railings were stolen.

National Highways said about 20m (65.6ft) of railings were stolen on Friday from the bridge over the A47 connecting Walton and Fullbridge Road in Peterborough.

City councillor Alex Rafiq called it "an unusual incident" which left the bridge exposed and could have been "extremely dangerous" for users.

He said authorities acted "swiftly" to ensure the bridge was secured with temporary metal barriers and traffic cones and it reopened on Monday.

Rafiq, who represents Paston and Walton ward, said: "I was frantically calling the council and panicking when I found out about the bridge not being secure.

"It was frightening to know the barriers were missing especially as a father of two young sons.

"I have now reassured residents that temporary barriers have been placed and traffic cones left along the barriers which glow up in the dark.

"Unfortunately a few cones have been knocked over and were thrown over the railings which we have put back now.

"The temporary fence is solid and secure so I do not want residents to have any concerns about crossing the bridge."

A National Highways spokesperson said: "We are aware that around 20m of railings were stolen from a footbridge over the A47 on Friday.

"While we try and source replacements, we have installed a temporary solution to allow the bridge to reopen.

"The theft has also been reported as a crime to the police."

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