THE Balkerne Hill Footbridge has won a stay of execution while the possibility of a second bridge across the road is investigated.

Essex County Council wants to replace the 1.2metre wide bridge with one 60cms wider, so it can be shared by pedestrians and cyclists.

High Steward Sir Bob Russell told Colchester Council’s planning meeting he was surprised the application had got this far and proposed building a second bridge for cyclists.

Councillors were concerned for pedestrians’ safety if the new bridge is a shared path.

Jackie Maclean (Con, Stanway) said: “Cyclists have no respect for the bridge. They should stick to Crouch Street and Head Street.”

Planning officers told councillors they cannot refuse an application on the condition of “human nature”.

They also said the inconvenience of building work, which will take eight weeks in this case, is also not a reason.

Lyn Barton (Lib Dem, Shrub End). added: “People seem to manage on the bridge already. I don’t see why there’s a need for this.”

The application was deferred for seven points to be addressed. These include investigating the implications of a second bridge, the removal of road traffic orders preventing cyclists from using the Sheepen Road underpasses and the existing bridge, and a safety audit.

A total of six members of the public supported the application and ten objected.