West Oxford residents have criticised Network Rail after it emerged the company will wait until next year to replace a popular footbridge into Oxford (link below.)
http://www.oxfordmail.net/news/headlines/display.var.2213844.0.bridge_delays_annoy_residents.phpThe rail firm closed a well-used 60-metre bridge in Osney Lane in August, telling residents that refurbishment work would be completed within a couple of months.
However, Network Rail has now posted a new sign at the closed-off site, saying the bridge, over the tracks south of Oxford station, will have to be replaced and will not be reopened until late February next year.
The news has upset dozens of residents.
Becky Bryan, 28, bar manager of the Kite pub, in Mill Street, said:
"Everyone's really annoyed about this. There's lots of rumours flying around and fears it won't open again.
"We just want the footbridge back."
Kristian Alexander, community relations manager at Network Rail, said:
"We acknowledge that for many this will be disappointing news. We're sorry for the inconvenience caused by this and hope our apologies will be accepted.
"High demand in the current steel market and the availability for manufacturing from steel fabricators means this will take longer than we would have liked."
