Proposed Footbridge over the Canal

Plans to develop the open area of land between the new link road roundabout, the railway, and Pilkington's factory as a commercial centre (Ravenhead Park), have given rise to the opportunity to make the reclaimed land around the old railway marshalling area of Lyons Yard accessible so that it may be transformed into public open space with suitable leisure facilities. This will complement the restored canal and the well established Greenway route.

At present, there is no short access from the north bank of the canal. The proposed bridge will link with the existing footbridge over the new road, thus providing pedestrian access from the new development to the town centre, and providing a direct route to Lyons Yard. The new bridge is to be constructed on a NE to SW alignment across the canal just to the west of the site of the Sutton Branch entrance. Both steps and a ramp are to be provided to offer maximum access to all.

The M.B.C. stipulated to the developers that they should consult with SCARS, as a result of which there will be the minimum height required above water level to allow navigation in the future. The tow path will be upgraded to connect up with that at Chalon Way car park.

Unfortunately, neither this project, nor the proposals for the Heritage Centre on the other side of the railway embankment, have been used to get rid of the baskets of stones which British Rail have used to shore up their bridge over the canal. This ghastly mess is not only a wilful obstruction to navigation, but it is also looking more and more incongruous next to the prestigious buildings and attractions which the Ravenhead Renaissance has brought to this area of the town. With the expected increase in visitors attracted by the Centre, and the steady flow of pedestrians along the towpath to and from Ravenhead Park, we hope that pressure will soon be exerted to cause BR's successors to reinstate the bridge.

Peter Keen & David Long

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