Update on Somersall Lane Bridge

I am aware the issue with Somersall Lane bridge is dragging on. Below is the response to my latest request for an update from Derbyshire County Council:

“We recognise that a significant length of time has passed since the initial incident, caused by a tree falling from privately owned land, that closed the footbridge on Somersall Lane. We have been in regular contact with the utility companies responsible for the pipework and ducting attached to the damaged footbridge, but securing feedback has taken longer than we had hoped. This is complex site to work on, with public safety paramount due to the gas main issue.

Thankfully,we have now reached a positive way forward with Cadent Gas and BT regarding their ducts under the bridge.

The gas main will be relocated into the road bridge, which will allow us to remove the damaged footbridge from site. The reason the damaged bridge has not yet been removed is due to concerns that doing this could damage the gas main. Now that we have this news, the replacement footbridge will be ordered, which I would expect to be installed in the autumn months. However, I am unable to give a firm timeframe as this depends on the external suppliers.

For more regular updates, I would recommend residents check our notices we have been placing out on site.”

I am pleased that progress is being made, though remain frustrated by the length of time it is taking to fully resolve this issue. I will continue to monitor and keep residents updated.

If anyone has any concerns or questions, please contact me at toby.perkins.mp@parliament.uk or on 01246 386 286.