A FOOTBRIDGE that was closed a year and a half ago for safety reasons will be removed early next month.

The Goodland Gardens bridge in Taunton town centre will be removed in July to safeguard the public, a joint statement from the town council and Somerset Council explained.

The authorities also said the condition of the bridge deteriorated and hoardings to keep people off the structure were “regularly ripped off”.

Somerset Council found the bridge would cost more to repair than it would to replace.

The bridge closed a year and a half ago for safety reasons. (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesperson for Somerset Council and Taunton Town Council said: “Somerset Council will be removing the Goodland Gardens Footbridge in Taunton in early July 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.

“Due to its current financial challenges, Somerset Council is not able to meet these costs, and contractors are scheduled to undertake the removal in the first week of July. Some preparatory works will need to take place in advance.

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

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

“It was advised by WSP, the consultant they engaged to provide options for replacement of the bridge, to commission a topographical survey prior to the removal of the bridge. This is scheduled to take place during the last week of June.”

The footbridge was closed in November 2022 and studies found it was “not viable to repair”.