Council considers demolition of historic bridge

Derby City Council is considering taking ownership of a 1930s footbridge to allow for its "urgent demolition" and the reopening of an alternative crossing.

The original Darley Mills Bridge was closed due to safety concerns in 2022 and a temporary crossing, known as Walter's Walkway, was installed over the original structure.

However, the temporary bridge, which links Darley Abbey to businesses on a former mill complex, closed in December after concerns were raised about erosion of the riverbank.

The authority said the demolition of the original footbridge, which is owned by the Crown Estate, would allow Walter's Walkway to be reopened.

The council's cabinet will discuss whether to take ownership of the bridge and accept £2m of funding for its demolition from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) at a meeting on 8 April.

The funding is in addition to £2.4m from EMCCA for a permanent replacement bridge.

The council said the Crown Estate obtained the title by default and does not have the usual responsibilities associated with ownership.

Councillor Carmel Swan, cabinet member for climate change, transport and sustainability, said: "Since the original structure closed in 2022, we have been hard at work looking at options to restore permanent access to Darley Abbey Mills.

"This is a complex situation involving environmental change, historic infrastructure, and land ownership challenges on a UNESCO World Heritage [site].

"The bridge has never been a council asset, but we remain committed to finding a solution that benefits the local area. Taking ownership is the way to do this."

East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward said: "I know how frustrating the closures have been for everyone.

"That's why we've supported funding both for a new permanent bridge and for the urgent work needed to safely reopen Walter's Walkway as soon as possible.

"This is what working together across the region should look like - local knowledge backed by regional support to get results."

Traders at the former mill complex linked by the footbridge have previously said its closure would have a devastating impact on them.

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