It appears that the two footbridges between Alsthorpe Road and Sculthorpe Close Parkland will not be replaced, despite an enthusiastic campaign by local walkers, dog owners, and local councillors, following their removal in July 2022.

These bridges were maintained for some time by an unknown local person, but were removed by Rutland County Council in early July 2022.

Following this, local residents embarked on an enthusiastic campaign to get the bridges replaced, deeming the removal "a waste of effort, time and money, (yes, our Council Tax)!"

One enthusiastic local walker and dog owner, Jill Harris, wrote in to Oakham Nub News, sharing her dismay at the decision to remove these bridges, kicking-off a campaign by local residents and councillors to replace the bridges.

Despite the support garnered though, it appears that Rutland County Council will not be taking any action to replace these bridges.

Councillors Ray Payne, Joanna Burrows & Paul Browne the Oakham South Ward Councillors have shared their disappointment at this decision.

Councillors Ray Payne, Joanna Burrows & Paul Browne the Oakham South Ward Councillors, said: "As Councillors, we are obliged to use a contact procedure when raising matters on behalf of residents. After various attempts to get some positive result, we have now received an emphatic statement that RCC won't replace the footbridge and further they have stated they are not prepared to enter into further correspondence with us on the issue!

"The reason they give we find surprising.  Originally, the developers planning obligations included their handing over this area to RCC, with the object of  RCC maintaining it as a Public Open Space (that wouldn't happen today). Indeed, RCC has employed contractors ever since then, to maintain the area.

"RCC now state that the land has never formally been transferred to them, and as they don't own it, they are precluded from being in a position to replace the footbridge. 

Residents have attempted to rebuild bridges for excercise and dog walking.

The trio then posed the questions: "They must considered they have a legal liability for the site as they entered the property and removed the footbridge, because they considered it was potentially dangerous to users?

"If they consider they have such legal liability, then surely that liability would have to now include making the area safe as a public open space. If personal injury is caused by persons trying to cross the land by getting from one bank to the other, then surely liability would arise by reason of their not providing a safe means of doing so, namely, a new footbridge?

"If they do not own the site, then by what legal right did they enter private land with the intention of removing private property? There is no public footpath running over or within the vicinity of the former footbridge so there is no public obligation on them in that respect (this point is the subject of a current separate and further request for clarification to the County Solicitor)

"Why is it that after 20+ years haven't they taken steps to take a legal transfer of the land?"

This is an example of one of the bridges that was dismantled.

They concluded: "As RCC have closed the door on the formal corridors that we can use as your Councillors, we can't see that they will change their minds, unless they feel they have to react to public pressure. This could take the form of:

• individually sending letters of complaint addressed to the portfolio holder Cllr. Marc Oxley c/o the RCC (who approved the removal and was present on the day of its removal)
• a joint letter by residents of complaint to the press
• informing and involving the local social media

"We will keep up what pressure we can and will keep you informed of any progress we make. Could you likewise also keep us informed of what steps you may decide (as a group?) to take and we will see what we can do to help you."

Should you wish to get in touch to share your views, email [email protected].