Campaigners have launched a petition calling on Ruth Dombey, the leader of Sutton Council, to support the building of a replacement railway bridge in Hackbridge.

The move from Wandle Valley Forum comes after members engaged in a last-ditch attempt to save two Victorian rail bridges in Hackbridge from demolition next month.

The Irrigation and 100 Acre bridges are slated for demolition on February 25-26. Network Rail had previously earmarked the bridges for demolition in May last year, after attempting to find a party to take over responsibilities for the bridges, but moved the demolition date to February.

Tony Burton, chairman of the Wandle Valley Forum, said: “It’s disappointing for us to lose the bridges.

“It is also upsetting that Network Rail did not respond to any of our offers to meet them and that Sutton Council did not did not work to prioritise meeting with Network Rail.

“The area where the bridges are in is about three times the size of Hyde Park and they are a critical part of the future local plans.

“The space is going to need better access and a new school site is being built where a bridge would be needed.

“This is why we would like a replacement bridge to be built. We are not asking Sutton Council to write us a cheque.

“We understand that local government is under pressure at this time, but investment is still going into the area by groups like Viridor and for an ambitious council they could acquire funding through a number of different sources like the lottery.

“The council said they would meet with Network Rail to discuss the bridges, but they have not been able to get their act together and meet them face to face.”

“We also want Network Rail to see the bigger picture and see what these bridges could do for the community and reverse the decision.”

The petition to build a new railway bridge was launched on New Year’s Day with the aim of reaching 500 supporters. So far, it has gathered more than 300 signatures.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: “Neither Irrigation Bridge or Hundred Acre Bridge are public rights of way, and nor have they been for some time. As a publicly-funded company, we cannot justify spending money on bridges that no longer serve a purpose.

“We would be happy for the local council to take over responsibility for the bridges or simply pay for their upkeep, however we have not reached an agreement with them or any other body.

“It’s a difficult situation but all public bodies have to be responsible with how they spend public money.

“There is a road bridge over the railway nearer Hackbridge station, which is a public right of way and is not going to be demolished.

To view the petition click here.

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