A PETITION calling for the reinstatement of a previously well-used bridge in Dawlish park has been presented to Teignbridge Council.

The 501 signatures were collected by Cllr Rosie Dawson who told members of Teignbridge Full Council the bridge, which had been over the Brook at Manor Gardens had been in place for 150 years, was part of the ‘character and history’.

But she revealed despite constant reassurances the bridge, in one of the ‘most treasured public spaces’, would be replaced, a decision was made there will be replacement.

She told members: ‘When this bridge was removed three years ago, I and residents were repeatedly assured it would be replaced.

‘I was asked to help and went to Dawlish Town Council and secured £20,000 towards the cost which was estimated to be £58,000.’

She explained the idea had been to replace it as a memorial bridge which would create a fund to help with future maintenance.

The other bridge is more than 35 years old so will also need

She continued: ‘What disappointed me and many residents is not simply that the outcome that this was refused but the process as I had been repeatedly assured, for the last 18 months, it would come before the executive committee and a decision be made in public and remain on the forward plan.

‘It then disappeared from the forward plan and a decision was taken by an individual member based on estimated replacement costs of £100,000 which is a figure which differed greatly from the £58,000 from a few weeks previously.

‘This petition is about criticising of individuals or decisions but that a decision which affects such an important community asset is considered openly, transparently and on the basis of accurate information.

‘Above all it is about keeping faith the promises made to the people of Dawlish.’

She asked the council to give ‘careful consideration’ to the strength of feeling expressed by residents in the community and look again at how this ‘much-loved’ bridge can be restored.

Three years ago the bridge was found to be structurally unsafe and was removed two years ago.

After a tree fell causing damage to the bridge in 2023, it was discovered during an inspection that the wooden bridge had ‘come to the end of its life’.

Structural surveyors had discovered ‘significant’ safety concerns during the inspection due to the bearers underneath the bridge being found to be rotten.

It was initially closed off then later removed entirely.

Despite pleas for it to be replaced, walkers and park users continue to be inconvenienced by having to find other places to cross the waterway which runs through the park.

The bridge has been described as an ‘integral part of the layout of the park’.

While not an official Public Right Of Way, the bridge was popular and well-used.

Previously, Teignbridge Council had said the bridge had come to the end of its lifespan and there had been confirmation it would be replaced with a metal structure.

However, the council had also said it was ‘reviewing the viability of replacement options’ as a metal bridge will be costly.