One gate could make all the difference
18th August 2006
Southampton Test MP Dr Alan Whitehead has reminded residents in the Gover Road area of Redbridge that they still have time to respond to the Council's consultation on closing the M271 footbridge.
Dr Whitehead has been calling for the closure of the footbridge since 2003 due to it being a magnet for anti-social behaviour.
Local support for closing the bridge was so strong that responses to a survey on the issue put out by Dr Whitehead started coming in the day the survey was delivered. There was an overwhelming response (118 out of 121 respondents) in favour of closing the footbridge.
Dr Whitehead said:
"I've long held the view that a gating order could transform the quality of life for local residents by removing the central gathering point for yobs and gangs in the area. But the Council is only going to act if residents make it clear they want the bridge closed. So if you've been sent a questionnaire about the closure, make sure to send it back by September 11th."
The proposed gating order would place a gate over the western entrance to the M271 footbridge that would then be locked 24 hours a day.
