PLANS for a second pedestrian footbridge in Bradford on Avon have been branded “‘premature’” by members of the town council and the public.

The town council and the town’s area board have embarked upon a £5,000 feasibility study to improve pedestrian access and safety and to investigate options for a new footbridge crossing the river, including topographical, geological and feasibility plans.

At a full council meeting on Tuesday, councillors and residents voiced their concerns over the study, saying these issues should be addressed before ploughing ahead with a separate potential solution.

Cllr Martin Newman said: “I said before that this is premature. There are many issues in regards to pedestrian safety – but it appears a footbridge is the only option when it is not.”

Deputy Mayor Gwen Alison added: “My concern is that we are trying to have this referendum on the Neighbourhood Plan and it seems it could get muddled up with this. I fear this will open up old wounds, so for me this is too soon.”

Trevor Bedeman, of community group for pedestrian safety, White Stripe Crossings, said: “I believe more time should be taken to understand the wider issue as a whole as this will impact a lot of people.

“It seems a bit odd that when there are ongoing discussions about problems with transport and pedestrian safety, to come up with a specific proposal and start funding that as well.

“A footbridge is one option but there are a whole series of others to tackle this ongoing dilemma.”

The next stage of the scheme will include a series of consultations with interested parties, with a public consultation in January, before a proposed exhibition of designs are displayed in March.

Cllr Magnus Macdonald, who proposed the initiative back in May, said: “The reasoning behind why we are doing this is to try and understand all of this and we are trying to answer that – that is the most important thing. Last time it was a complete nightmare.

“If a bridge required and where would people see that going and what sort of bridge is needed after that. Hopefully by the time we get to the public consultation in January things will be straightened out somewhat.”

The feasibility study is being carried out by Bradford on Avon architectural company Labox and Bath based structural engineers, Momentum.

Cabinet member for Highways and Transport, Phillip Whitehead, said: “I do not think that Bradford on Avon should be looking at anything in isolation.

“Every aspect, large or small should first of all be considered on the whole to establish that as a whole it works. Once that is agreed then each individual one can be considered, and may be pursued individually but as part of the jigsaw.

“Cllr MacDonald talked to me about his thoughts and I thought that it would be wrong to only talk about the footbridge without first of all getting everyone to agree to all of the aspects.”