PLANS to make Lucy’s Mill Bridge more crossing-friendly have been revealed.
For several years the Friends of Lucy’s Mill Bridge have campaigned to see the existing footbridge over the Avon made more accessible for those with prams, wheelchairs, elderly people and those with limited mobility.
And now the group has revealed plans to build long ramps leading up to the bridge – which they say is much-needed.
The Friends’ carried out a survey to see how many people used the bridge – and found as many as 300 people crossed per hour.
A spokesman for the group said: “Our survey shows there are hundreds – actually thousands – who already do use this bridge, some with great difficulty, and because the bridge hasn’t been ‘for everyone’ for many, many years, there are going to be hundreds at least who just don’t go down to Stratford’s third footbridge, because they know they cannot use it.
“This number could well be over a thousand – if you look at the 25,000 or so people who live in our town and then break that down into young families with pushchairs, into those who have retired but find steps difficult, and especially anyone who uses a mobility scooter or a wheelchair – people simply cannot use the bridge.”
The Friends’ also conducted a survey to find out what people thought about adapting the bridge.
One respondent said: “My husband is disabled and has a mobility scooter, it would be lovely if we could both walk around the river and back to the theatre.”
Another said: “I don’t take my family on the bridge as they have mobility issues and can’t manage the steps.
“I have fallen on the steps trying to manoeuvre my bike over the bridge.”
The group hope people will contact them to pass comment on the plans, which are set to be given to Warwickshire County Council in the new year.
Email [email protected] to respond.
