AN Okehampton county councillor has said he will do what he can to see if the controversial Fatherford footbridge can be painted a different colour.

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

Cllr Kevin Ball, county representative for Okehampton Rural, said that the bridge had strict size and design restrictions because of Network Rail requirements.

Cllr Ball said: 'The Okehampton Hamlets have been asking for this for some while but Devon County Council hasn't been able to fund it.

'The project was funded through the £4.2-million award from central government for Access to Dartmoor.

'The project was to connect cycle paths from Fatherford and Charlotte's Bridge to the industrial estate and the rest of town. It also acts as a safe pedestrian walkway where there has been no pavement alongside a busy road.

'It also allows cyclists to traverse over the railway. This project has had not cost the county council anything.

'Since the bridge was put in place I have received several complaints regarding both the size of the bridge, saying it is over the top, and its colour.

'Regarding the size, it has to meet National Rail criteria to go over a railway line. From what I understand there are specific weight bearing, strength and height requirements.

'Because of the active Sunday Rover service and potential return of other rail services, Network Rail don't budge on their requirements. It is big for what it is but it has to meet those requirements.

'While I can defend the size and design of the bridge based on those requirements, I have complete sympathy for the complaints over its colour.

'Within the parameters of the project there was no opportunity for us to have an input on the colour of it.

'I think the colour makes the bridge look worse than it is and it seems that the colour has caused more angst than anything else.

'Cllr James McInnes and I are speaking to the team that oversaw the construction of the bridge to see if there is a way of making the bridge less visually intrusive.'

Borough councillor for Okehampton North Cllr Mike Davies hopes that the colour of the bridge could be altered.

He said: 'Initially I was a little excited to find we had a bridge built to Network Rail regulations, as I thought it might be an indication of a regular main line train coming to Okehampton. However, what we have is an eyesore.

'It is not in keeping with its surroundings. I have heard Cllr Ball's statement about why it cannot be changed. I do ask that something is done to investigate the colour to be changed to green or for it to be screened so that it cannot be seen from the main road.'

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