Council finally agrees to community demands to close M271 footbridge
19th October 2006
Southampton City Council has finally given way to Labour’s campaign to close the M271 Footbridge.
Southampton Test MP Dr Alan Whitehead has campaigned for over a year to close the bridge due to it being a magnet for anti-social behaviour. Redbridge residents have reported numerous cases of yobs on the bridge throwing missiles at passing cars and using the bridge as an easy ‘escape route’ after committing acts of vandalism in nearby streets.
Closure of the bridge has been made possible by new powers given to Councils by the 2005 Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act. The Act gives Councils the power to issue gating orders where “the existence of the highway is facilitating the persistent commission of criminal offences or anti-social behaviour.” Alan Whitehead voted for the new powers; David Cameron and the Conservatives voted against them, saying they were ‘unnecessary’ and ‘prohibitively expensive.’
Local support for closing the bridge is so strong that responses to a survey on the issue put out by Dr Whitehead started coming back 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’m delighted the Council has finally agreed to use its new powers to close the footbridge. This decision has the potential to transform the quality of life for local residents whose lives have been made a misery by yobs gathering around there. But obviously we’ve still got to listen to residents to see if their everyday experiences really do improve.”
Labour Councillor for Redbridge Peter Marsh-Jenks, who campaigned with Dr Whitehead for the closure of the bridge, said:
“I’m happy that the long campaign by councillors & residents has finally been listened to and I believe this closure will lead to a real reduction in anti-social behaviour in the area.”
More information
- The SCC Cabinet papers detailing the decision can be read here:
