Iconic Bridge Unsafe - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: Iconic Bridge Unsafe – AN historic footpath that leads from Chalkwell Station down to the beach is set to be closed and demolished due to safety concerns.

Iconic Bridge Unsafe - AN historic footpath that leads from Chalkwell Station down to the beach is set to be closed and demolished due to safety concerns.

AN historic footpath that leads from Chalkwell Station down to the beach is set to be closed and demolished due to safety concerns.

The 115-year-old ramp’s closure, with no immediate replacement lined up, has sparked concern from residents and businesses.

Southend City Council, in collaboration with Network Rail, state that they have made ongoing efforts to maintain and monitor the structure and keep it in public use.

However, recent inspections and monitoring data have raised further concerns that it “poses an increased safety risk,” leading to the decision that options for its safe maintenance have been exhausted.

Coun Daniel Cowan, Labour leader of Southend City Council, said: “The ramp was built in 1910 using an early form of reinforced concrete and has far-exceeded its design life. It has been kept safely open beyond expectations through careful maintenance and monitoring.

“Despite these efforts, recent inspections have revealed significant further deterioration, which poses an increased safety risk. After careful consideration, the council has taken the necessary decision to close the ramp as the safety of the public is our absolute priority.”

The ramp will not reopen for public use.

Coun Cowen added: “The council is committed to working closely with Network Rail on a solution to reinstate safe access between Chalkwell station and the beach, as soon as possible on a temporary basis as well as a permanent replacement for the ramp.”

Alternative routes to Chalkwell Beach from Chalkwell Station are available via The Ridgeway, Victory Path (the footpath by Baboush), Chalkwell Avenue, and Chalkwell Esplanade.

Whilst plans for interim access have not been made public, residents have expressed anger that this part of the beach will be much harder to reach.

Chalkwell Councillor Nigel Folkard, on behalf of Chalkwell Councillors, commented: “After 115 years of use, it has become necessary to replace this ramp.

“As ward councillors, we have long advocated for action to be taken.

“Although it is disappointing that a permanent replacement is not ready, we are pleased the council has responded to our calls for temporary access while working towards a permanent solution.

“We also appreciate the council’s commitment to engaging with stakeholders and minimising disruption to businesses, residents, commuters, and visitors throughout the removal and replacement process.”

One Leigh resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “It is awful that plans for a replacement are not being made more immediately.

“The alternative routes pose a significant distance of travel – how are people with reduced mobility or access supposed to readjust to this?”

Leigh Town councillor Peter Wexham said he was unhappy about the situation, telling Leigh News: “This situation has not just happened and the Council and the railway should have sorted this out and the work carried out in the winter.

“I expect a prefabricated footbridge will have to be made and that will take months, so I hope they will keep the existing bridge open until the new one is ready, but I do not want to see the existing bridge closed for the Summer months.”

Picture: Chalkwell footbridge to be demolished over safety concerns. Pic SCC

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