In September, it was fantastic to see the opening of the footbridge in Darley Abbey. However, it is important that we start to think about the next steps in getting a long-term solution.
This morning I chaired a meeting with the Darley Abbey Bridge team to discuss how we go forward with making these next steps. Please see the minutes for this meeting below.
I look forward to keeping you all updated!
In Attendance:
Amanda Solloway MP, Cllr Steve Hassall (Cabinet Member for Strategic Transport), Nigel Brien (Head of Service for Traffic & Transport at Derby City Council), Lincoln Smithers (Head of Engineering at Derby City Council), Robert Rose (Business Owner), Anthony Attwood (Mill Owner), Nichol Malia-Barlow (Business Owner), Cllr Martin Repton & Cllr Alison Martin.
Amanda Solloway MP: Opened the meeting and thanked everyone for attending on short notice, asked for Nigel Brien to give an overview of the current situation, and then to discuss the next steps.
Nigel Brien: The bridge is fully operational and hired by Derby City Council for the next 12 months with an optional extended contract if it is needed. The focus is now on the future phase of what the bridge could look like and perform. It would need businesses, residents, and world heritage input to decisions that need. Whatever this bridge is will also need to comply with flooding issues with the Environmental Agency. The funding package would also need to be sought which is most likely going to have to come from various sources such as lottery, business, and potential government.
There is some partial funding for the initial design and early scope.
Amanda Solloway MP: There is a real appetite to resolve this sooner than later and this will help with any potential ongoing cost issues and ease the worries of everyone nearby who is affected by this problem.
