Letter: My take on the Goodland Gardens footbridge U-turn

I read with much interest the article on the U-turn by Taunton Town Council on replacing the footbridge from Goodland Gardens to Tangier.

Some time ago I wrote to say that I was disturbed that a bridge that should have stood for a century – and which only saw pedestrian use – should have been considered unsafe and demolished after a very few years.

I am quite sure that faulty design, construction, or both must have been responsible and am amazed that the previous council did not pursue the designer/constructor for compensation – payment of which would go a long way towards financing a replacement and ease the pressure on our new council!

If this was not done it seems a grave dereliction of the former council’s duty; this action must still be possible if there is a will to pursue it.

Like many others, I frequently used the bridge for a circular walk with my dogs, and of course since its demolition Riverain Court has been opened with 90 residents who would undoubtedly enjoy a stroll over a bridge into the serenity of Goodland Gardens.

Can someone at Taunton Council look into this and take action please?

Alan Reeve

Staplehay