I WAS thrilled to read in last week's County Gazette about the fact that Somerset County Council was able to replace three footbridges in South Somerset within two years of closure due to health and safety issues.

I note that the Highways Cabinet member Councillor John Woodman was self- congratulatory in tone when explaining the circumstances surrounding this “great” major repair.

I would, however, like to draw to his attention a right of way linking Bradford with Nynehead over the River Tone at Bradford on Tone that has been closed for 12 years for want of a replacement bridge closed on the self same health and safety grounds.

Why is it that he can facilitate and enjoy the plaudits for rapid multiple bridge replacements in South Somerset yet ignore much greater need (certainly in view of the length of time it has been closed) in West Somerset and Taunton Deane?

READ MORE: Somerset bridges closed in 2018 to be replaced

If Councillor Woodman was to apply his “bridge repair and replacements talents” now we should have our footpath reopened within two years.

After 12 years I think most parishioners of Bradford On Tone would settle for that!

DAVID SMITH

Bradford On Tone