Plans to rebuild Goodland Gardens footbridge scrapped

Whether or not to progress with the installation of a replacement for the Goodland Gardens footbridge was discussed in a full Taunton Town Council meeting starting at 6pm on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

The Goodland Gardens footbridge was removed by Somerset Council in July 2024 on public safety grounds, after surveys concluded it would cost too much to repair.

In September 2025, Taunton Town Council committed in principle to commissioning a replacement bridge in January, with the cost being sourced from the community infrastructure levy (CIL) paid from local housing developments, including the Orchard Grove Development.

Since then, 'accessible' designs have been developed for a new reinforced bridge that will require less maintenance than the previous footbridge.

The range of these would cost between £340k and £375k, not factoring in additional costs, which would take the total spent up to half a million pounds more or less.

When asked their thoughts on the installation of the new footbridge, councillors shared mixed feelings.

Those who spoke in favour have said the footbridge will connect the town and create easier access for residents.

Cllr Caroline Ellis said: "I am still in favour of us moving ahead with this. We have been on this journey for three years now.

"We opened it up to public consultation, we did ask the public what they thought, and they told us quite clearly what they wanted. It has been a long process, but the need is there.

"I think all the reasons remain sound, and I would like us to crack on, on behalf of all the residents who are desperate to have this bridge back."

Cllr Vanessa Garside said: "I am also in favour of the bridge because I see the bridge as a symbol of connection between one part of town to the other, but it is also a symbol of the regeneration of Taunton."

She added: "It’s a well-loved bridge; it was a bridge used for generations. I was very, very sad to lose it, and I will say I haven’t been to French Weir as much since the bridge has gone because I don’t feel like walking around all the streets with the cars."

Cllr David Northey said: "It is very obvious that many people are making the journey up those temporary steps up by the third-way bridge, so people are making those journeys, but they have carved it themselves.

"This is the key link between that part of town and the transport hub. When you look at it, you realise it takes you right into the one thing the town is supporting."

Those who spoke against cited reasons such as the amount of money spent on this project being unjustified.

This includes the new Mayor of Taunton, Cllr Bev Fernandes, who said there are alternative routes and that the costs concern her.

Cllr Amber Packer Hughes said: "I used to cross that bridge regularly; it was a much-loved route. I know how passionately people who live in that area miss that bridge. As time has gone on, I have changed my point of view. I make that journey regularly, and the bridge doesn’t impact that journey at all.

"I think it is a huge amount of money to spend on something that is neither a shortcut nor an essential journey."

In a written statement, read out by Cllr Packer Hughes, Cllr Connor Solle said: "I now feel this project risks becoming an ever-growing financial burden. In my view, the cost has become a vulgar expense for what is ultimately a bridge serving only a relatively small number of people, especially when there are already other crossing points nearby."

Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts said: "I think we have come to a point where, at this present time, I don’t feel the money we need to spend is justified. Now is not the right time.

"I think it's sometimes braver to stop doing something because it’s the right time to stop than to continue just because you previously made a democratic decision to go forward."

Cllr Giuseppe Fraschini reminded the town council that only 200 people responded to the initial consultation, and now the council won’t take a petition involving fewer than 500 people.

He said: "But we are meant to take 200 people’s word as gospel that the bridge is what is needed for this town. It’s not."

Within the meeting, a vote was held on whether to progress with the installation of the footbridge.

Cllr Packer Hughes proposed a vote not to progress with the installation, seconded by Cllr Fraschini.

The majority of 13 to three voted in favour of not proceeding, and the motion was carried, meaning the installation of the footbridge will not progress.