SOLIHULL Council said no decision has been made on the future of Barston Bridge.
This comes after concerns were raised by Saqib Bhatti Meriden and Solihull East MP, along with Knowle Councillors Edward Fitter and Dave Pinwell about a consultation launched by the authority.
Last month Solihull Council called on residents to have their say on the long-term options for the bridge after a inspections identified significant weakening of the bridge, prompting a reduced maximum weight limit of three tonnes and a need for long-term solutions.
The Council gave two options for the future of the bridge.
Firstly to replace the bridge with a new structure which has a maximum weight limit of 40 tonnes, this would require external funding of around £2million.
Or to close the bridge to vehicles and require drivers to use alternative existing roads.
Campaigners say the consultation appears to be framed in a way that implicitly favours the permanent closure of the bridge to vehicles, rather than objectively testing all reasonable alternatives and has called on the Council to reconsider the framing of the consultation.
A council spokesperson said: “The Council is consulting on two long-term options for Barston Bridge to understand local views and impacts. No decision has been made on its future.
“Information on the bridge background and details of both options – including potential benefits, impacts, and funding – have been provided in the dedicated consultation webpage to provide answers to frequently asked questions.
“The Council is engaging directly with local residents, farmers and business owners and recently held a drop-in session in Barston to provide an opportunity for people to ask questions and find out further information.
“A full report with results of the consultation will be taken to a future CPH Environment and Infrastructure Decision Session, where the Cabinet Member will decide which option to move forward with.”
For more or to have your say on the future of the bridge clcik here.
The deadline for comment is 11:59pm on February 4.
