THE borough councillor for Lew Valley and the chairman of Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council have both defended the controversial Fatherford footbridge.

The footbridge runs parallel to the Fatherford rail bridge on the east of the town, which is narrow and has no pavement for pedestrians.

It has been a long term aim for the hamlets parish council to make the walk from that end of town safer for current residents and future residents of proposed housing developments on the east of town with the creation of such a footbridge.

The footbridge, which has been erected in recent weeks, has drawn criticism from members of the public for its bright blue colour, size and design.

At the Okehampton Hamlets parish assembly on April 14, Cllr James McInnes, the current borough councillor for Lew Valley but due to become a representative for the Hatherleigh seat following the election, defended the erection of the bridge and its design.

He said: 'Obviously it was a long term aspiration to have a footbridge at Fatherford. For a long time we were told it was far too expensive, but I was so excited and pleased when we secured funding. Then I was sent pictures of it being put into place. It was the first time I'd seen it and its design.

'Some people are unhappy with the colour and size but once it has been there a while and becomes dirty and weathered I think it will be fine.

'I am just pleased we got our footbridge so that people that side of Okehampton will no longer have to walk into the road and risk getting knocked down.

'It is so big because it is over the railway line. It has to be like that so no-one can leap off of it and it has to be durable to a certain standard.

'I apologise for the colour but not for it being there. My aspiration is that we get an alternative rail line back to Okehampton. This is the best chance in a long long time. This bridge being built to the standard it has I think shows the thoughts of the powers that be.'

The chairman of Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council Derek Webber also defended the erection of the bridge. He said: 'I am absolutely delighted that we have the footbridge. If we save just two or three people from being knocked down then we have done a good job.'

What are your thoughts on the Fatherford footbridge over the rail line? Let us know at timesletters@tindlenews. co.uk or send us a letter at Okehampton Times, The Ockment Centre, North Street, Okehampton, EX20 1AR.