Somerset Council will be removing the Goodland Gardens Footbridge in Taunton next week to safeguard the public.

The bridge, which crosses the River Tone from Tangier Way into Goodlands Gardens, was closed a year and a half ago for safety reasons, with the public sign-posted to the nearby alternative crossings for pedestrians and cyclists.

Since then, its condition has deteriorated and hoardings to keep people off the unsafe structure have regularly been ripped-off.

A structural survey commissioned by Somerset Council found the bridge would cost more to repair than it would to replace, with the cost of replacement estimated at around £400,000.

Somerset Council is not able to meet these costs and contractors are scheduled to undertake the removal starting on Tuesday 30 July.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, Lead Member for Transport & Digital, said: “The wellbeing of the public has to come first and unfortunately this bridge is no longer safe. With the pressures on our finances we currently do not have the funding to replace it.”

A section of footpath along the north side of the river has been temporarily closed to allow access for equipment. Diversion signage is in place and this closure is expected to be lifted by the end of next week.

Although ownership of Goodland Gardens transferred to Taunton Town Council in April 23, this did not include the footbridge.

Taunton Town Council is considering what steps it may be able to take in terms of securing a bridge crossing for residents in the future.

It has had a topographic survey of the site which will help determine options for the potential replacement of the bridge at some stage in the future. Further essential groundworks investigations are scheduled for Friday 26 July.