A FEASIBILITY study on the foundations of a footbridge in Taunton town centre closed due to structural concerns could take place in the next few months to understand how it can be replaced.

Taunton Town Council agreed to set aside £10,000 to commission a feasibility study which will be carried out by WSP.

The study will determine the state of the foundation of the footbridge, which cannot be repaired, and will show what steps could be taken to replace it.

According to a WSP report seen by the full town council, the replacement could cost between £300,000 and £400,000.

WSP also presented a structure options report at a full town council meeting yesterday (Tuesday, April 9).

A Taunton Town Council spokesperson said Somerset Council are committed to removing the bridge in the next few months.

Before moving forward, however, the town council commissioned a feasibility study on the foundation of the footbridge.

Councillor Caroline Ellis said: “I welcome the report. It is not just an emotional connection [between the bridge and the town].

“The bridge connects the residents and the town and gets them across town.

“I really welcome this report and I am anxious that we crack on.

“We need to have a project plan to show the people of Taunton ‘this is what the town council can do’.

Chris Byatt, a WSP civil engineer who addressed the full town council, said they “know very little about what’s there at the moment” and added a study on the foundation could be ready within two months and cost around £3,000.

Councillor Connor Sollé suggested that the town council should keep ownership of the bridge once it is replaced.

He said that “for the benefit of Taunton residents, the bridge “should remain an asset of Taunton Town Council”.

Last year, councillors agreed to work alongside environmental professional services consultancy WSP at a cost of £7,700 to have their own quotes, figures, and research on the Goodland Gardens footbridge.

The footbridge has been closed since November 2022 when “significant structural weaknesses” were found.

Voting at the meeting, councillors decided to delegate the matter to the planning and transport committee and request that Somerset Council halt the removal of the bridge and engage with all the parties involved.

Leader of Taunton Town Council, Cllr Tom Deakin, said: “We’re keen to keep momentum going with this project as we know how important it is to people in the town.

"Progressing the topographical surveys and foundation reviews will help inform our decisions moving forward.

"Our commitment to engaging with residents and key stakeholders, including Somerset Council, underlines our dedication to ensuring a safe and resilient infrastructure that serves our community for years to come.”