CAMPAIGNERS are calling on EDF to build a new bridge over the railway in Bridgwater to keep pedestrians and cyclists safe.

Members of the SAGE cycle group say they are deeply concerned for cyclist safety at the 'dangerous pinch-point' by Bridgwater college where the A39 bridges the main railway.

"This bridge is old, narrow and on a bend; at rush hours traffic is clogged here," the members of SAGE said in a statement.

"Think how much worse congestion will be when 850 Hinkley construction site workers are housed near the bridge on the old cellophane factory site.

"The workers will need to get into the town centre for leisure as well as through the town to Hinkley."

SAGE say that EDF have a health and safety responsibility for both its workers and the impact on the town.

"To ensure safety pedestrians and cyclists should be segregated from cars, buses and the increased flow of HGVs through the town," SAGE say.

"Common sense and safety demand that this route should include a separate bridge for cyclists over the railway linking into the town centre."

Over the years SAGE’s campaign has involved talking with EDF, SCC, Sedgemoor DC, Sustrans and local cycle groups.

"The various bodies have promised to consult and take into account SAGE’s arguments however to date nothing has come of those promises from the powers that be," SAGE said.

"Providing a safe cycle route along this route would encourage more people to make cycling their first travel choice on the short journeys to and from Bridgwater College, the Kingsdown, Bower and Sydenham estates, the Hospital, the new Nursing Home as well as the Morrison’s distribution centre, Gerbers and many other businesses."

"While there has been significant work to make cycling safer on the south and western side of Bridgwater Way and towards Cannington, nothing is being done on the A39 northern and Eastern routes into and out of Bridgwater."

David Eccles, EDF Energy’s head of stakeholder engagement, said: “When we were granted our original Development Consent Order it was found that additional access and infrastructure, such as a new bridge, was not required due to the provision of adequate parking and welfare facilities within the Bath Road campus site itself.

“However, we do understand SAGE’s concerns and will consider any viable options open to us in collaboration with our colleagues at the county and district councils, particularly with regard to the longer term planning for Bridgwater as a whole.”