Campaign to reopen Dobcross footbridge makes progress

The footbridge near New Bank Garden Centre, Dobcross

Reporter: Stuart Littleford

Following the closure of the well used footbridge over the River Tame near New Bank Garden Centre early in 2015, local councillors Mike Buckley and Lesley Brown have been working with the Ramblers Association to get the bridge re-opened.

Since its closure local residents have had to walk along the main road to access the garden centre, canal towpath and Brownhill Centre. Walking groups, children’s groups, families and dog walkers have all expressed concern at the closure of this popular path.

A milestone has now been reached in the campaign to reopen the bridge.

Cllr. Mike Buckley said: “We discovered early in the campaign that the path that the footbridge was on was not in fact a public right of way and that the bridge was in the ownership of the garden centre. But it was clear to us that the path had in fact acquired right of way status due to its wide use by the public over many decades. The first step was to gather evidence of this and apply to have it legally designated as such. This would then impose an obligation for the bridge to be kept open.

“We have had an overwhelming response from the public and 107 evidence forms have been received testifying to the public use of the path over many years. Armed with this and other evidence we have worked with the Ramblers Association to apply for an Order under Section 53(2) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to designate the footpath a Public Right of Way. This was served on Oldham Council a few weeks ago. The proposal covers the full lengthy of the path from the playing fields opposite the former Woolpack Public House to the gate in to the Picnic Area at Brownhill, and includes three branch paths, two onto Dobcross New Road and another onto Mowalls Lane.”

Cllr Lesley Brown added: “Designating public rights of way is not a fast process but we have taken the first step and we now await Oldham Council in making the order and starting the process of consultation. We would like to thank all those who have supported us particularly John Walton of the Ramblers Association, who has been a guiding light and has worked hard in putting together the application and Steve Palk of Unity Partnership, the acting footpaths officer, has also been very helpful and supportive.”

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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