SAFETY concerns regarding a new footbridge over the River Tavy in Tavistock came under the spotlight last week when town councillors debated how high the railings of the replacement bridge should be. Cllr Betty Batchelor said she was concerned that if for safety reasons the railings were too high, pedestrians would be unable to see over the bridge. She said: ?People going over the river need to be able to look down onto it.? Cllr Norma Woodcock said visibility from the bridge was an important issue: ?It?s a very important location for a bridge. I suspect if you are going to deter people from jumping, it would have to be a monstrosity. ?Could we please just have a sensibly sized bridge that people can see from? Health and safety is one thing but really, words fail me.? Cllr Caroline Keane said: ?It?s a very attractive location, both looking up and down the river. ?I would hardly think it?s a place for people to try and take their lives ? the only fear I would have is if the railings were very low, children could fall off.? Cllr Brian Trew proposed the council be guided by the experts who were to design the bridge, who were obviously experienced in safe construction. The new footbridge will replace the current crumbling structure, thought to be about 80 years old and due to be replaced within the next 12 months. The project is likely to cost at least £100,000, though a definite figure will be unknown until the present bridge has been removed and the state of the foundations assessed.
