Residents and local officials in Bootle are expressing increasing alarm over the safety of a major road crossing used daily by hundreds of primary school children. The concerns follow a decision by National Highways to scrap plans to replace a footbridge over the A5036 Dunnings Bridge Road, which was demolished in October 2022 after being struck by a heavy goods vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- A pedestrian footbridge over the A5036 in Bootle was demolished in October 2022 for safety reasons.
- National Highways has cancelled plans for a replacement, citing affordability and design challenges.
- Parents and local leaders, including Sefton Council's leader, are campaigning for the bridge to be reinstated, citing grave safety concerns for children.
- The crossing is a key route for students attending Our Lady of Walsingham Primary School.
Demolition and a Promise of Replacement
The controversy began in October 2022 when a footbridge over Park Lane on the A5036 was severely damaged by a lorry. National Highways determined the structure was no longer safe for public use. Within two weeks of the collision, the bridge was completely demolished.
At the time of the demolition, the crossing was described by Sefton Council as a "vital crossing point for the local community." It served as a crucial link for residents, particularly for families with children at the nearby Our Lady of Walsingham Primary School.
Following the removal, National Highways initially stated its intention to "replace the bridge completely," offering reassurance to the community that a safe crossing would be restored.
Timeline of Events
- Early October 2022: Footbridge on A5036 Dunnings Bridge Road is struck by an HGV.
- Mid-October 2022: The bridge is declared unsafe for pedestrians.
- Late October 2022: The damaged footbridge is fully demolished.
- September 2025: National Highways confirms plans to replace the bridge have been shelved.
Plans Scrapped, Community Outraged
Nearly three years after the initial incident, the promise of a new bridge has been withdrawn. National Highways announced that after completing a feasibility study, a replacement was deemed "unaffordable" and incompatible with "current design requirements."
This reversal has sparked a strong reaction from the community. Parents who use the crossing daily have voiced their fear and frustration, describing the current ground-level crossing on the busy A-road as unsafe for young children.
One parent, Ms Arrowsmith, whose four-year-old son attends the local primary school, expressed the community's sentiment. "I would love to see the footbridge back, everyone would and it should be a massive priority," she said. "It almost feels like they’re waiting for a child to die before they’ll actually agree to put it back.”
Local Leaders Vow to Fight
The issue has escalated to the highest levels of local government, with Sefton Council's leader, Cllr Marion Atkinson, and local MP Peter Dowd publicly challenging the decision. Speaking on BBC Radio Merseyside, Cllr Atkinson addressed the community's concerns directly.
"People are outraged about this, and we have to keep on fighting. We have to keep on telling our story about how much this is needed. It is [National Highways] responsibility and we just have to keep calling them out on it."
Cllr Atkinson confirmed that hundreds of children cross the busy road to get to school and agreed with residents that the current situation is unacceptable. She acknowledged the deep-seated fear that a serious accident is inevitable without a safe, elevated crossing.
The A5036 is a major dual carriageway that serves as a key route to the Port of Liverpool, carrying a high volume of heavy goods vehicles daily, which contributes to the safety concerns at pedestrian crossings.
The council leader stated her full support for the residents' campaign. "I 100% agree with you," she told a concerned resident on the radio programme. "We will keep on fighting for the bridge."
She also noted the position of Bootle's MP, Peter Dowd, stating he is "absolutely outraged about this" and will continue to advocate for the bridge's replacement.
National Highways' Position and Proposed Alternatives
In response to the criticism, National Highways has outlined its alternative plans for the area. The agency is focusing on upgrading the nearby Park Lane junction with the A5036 Dunnings Bridge Road.
A spokesperson for National Highways explained the rationale behind their decision. "We completed a feasibility study on replacing the footbridge over the A5036, but current design requirements mean it would not work and was unaffordable."
The agency says its new focus is on creating ground-level solutions. "We are exploring options that work best for cyclists, parents with pushchairs and people with mobility issues," the spokesperson added. The proposed upgrades include adding new cyclist and pedestrian crossing points on all four arms of the junction to create "easier and safer journeys for everyone."
However, for many residents who relied on the bridge, these proposals do not adequately address the danger of crossing a high-speed, multi-lane road with young children. The campaign for a new bridge continues, fueled by a community united in its demand for a safer route to school.