Rutland walkers embark on campaign to save our bridges

Local residents have embarked on an enthusiastic campaign this week as two footbridges between Alsthorpe Road and Sculthorpe Close Parkland have been removed by Rutland County Council.

These bridges have been maintained for some time by an unknown local person - possibly the same person who chose to plant a number of new trees in the same area of woodland. It is thought that the removal of the bridges was prompted by a complaint regarding the planting of these trees, although Rutland County Council have not yet released comment.

One enthusiastic local walker and dog owner, Jill Harris, has written in to Oakham Nub News, sharing her dismay at the decision to remove these bridges.

Jill wrote: "The two foot bridges over the stream between Alsthorpe Road and the Sculthorpe Close Parkland have been removed by Rutland County Council.

"In all seasons I have walked this area with dogs for nearly 28 years and over this time the original bridge has been improved or renewed, and made much safer, at least twice by a public spirited Rutlander at his/her own expense. More recently a second bridge has served Oakham dog walkers well too. During the pandemic lockdowns access to these open spaces was a lifeline for dog walkers and their dogs to get fresh air, exercise and some distanced company. New friendships have been formed this way and old acquaintances recognised .

"I understand that there was no consultation and that just one nearby (complaining about what?) resident is responsible for this instant, knee jerk reaction decision by RCC. Did this deluded individual think that these open areas are private? I can only suggest that this person does not appreciate the helpful nature of the people who live in this wonderful county, and has no concept of a community which cares for and supports its members.

"Now Rutland County Council request that walkers write in requesting a bridge… and, if enough of us do so, the matter will be considered. It is not clear who or which committee made the decision to remove the bridges, and it is not clear who or which committee will review the situation. And how long might this take for two well-hidden (in woodland) foot bridges to be rebuilt? What a waste of effort, time and money, (yes, our Council Tax)!

"Surely the Council has more pressing concerns and should be making better use of the limited resources. And in these money strapped times what has happened to common sense? In the meantime walkers are at risk of falling and injuring themselves if they try to cross the stream after their more nimble dogs, and this will lead to more medical care needed in the community. And don't get me started again on this…."

Jill and other users regularly walk their dogs in the local area (image courtesy of Jill Harris)

Jill Has thanks residents for taking the time to read her letter and has encouraged residents to "email RCC if you are in agreement that the Council should replace the bridges immediately."

Jill has since been joined by a group of individuals who are dismayed at the removal of these bridges, and the team have rallied, beginning a campaign to 'save our trees' and 'bring back our bridges.'

The group want to be positive, adding that: "We want this open letter to focus on what WE can do to SAVE OUR TREES and BRING BACK OUR BRIDGE.

"If you want the trees to stay and the bridges to be reinstated, we encourage you to send a separate email for each issue to the following people at RCC. The more emails they receive, the more they will HAVE to listen and act. Hence a coordinated effort to send them with as much email correspondence as possible!"

The Councillors to contact are:

Councillor M Oxley [email protected]
Councillor R Payne [email protected]

Alternatively, residents can contact:

Stuart Kidd, Forestry Officer [email protected]
Ben Thompson, Street Scene Manager [email protected]

The group concluded: "They know that they have upset local walkers and, we think, left the site yesterday (Tuesday the 12th of July 2022) surprised at the strong sense of feeling. RCC has demonstrated a lack of care towards local residents."

Rutland County Council have not yet released a comment on this issue.

Keep an eye on Oakham Nub News for updates as the conversation continues.