A FAMILY doctor and a Bolton MP are still unhappy with safety plans on a footbridge which crosses a busy railway line, despite a meeting with Railtrack officials.

Dr Ian James and Bolton North East MP David Crausby have campaigned for the bridge in Bromley Cross to be repaired because of its rotten wooden planks.

But after meeting with representatives from Railtrack yesterday at the bridge which links Hillside Avenue with Grange Road, the doctor and MP remained unconvinced by the plans to replace only 22 timbers.

"Ad hoc" work was carried out on the footbridge with several rotting planks replaced in June after residents and councillors voiced fears that the 25-feet high bridge had become dangerous.

Railtrack's structural engineers visited the bridge last week and identified 22 timbers which will all be replaced by the end of September. A series of "non-slip nosings" will also be installed around the timbers to prevent the wood becoming slippy during the winter months.

Improvements will be completed on the side fencings and vegetation next to the track will be cut back in a bid to discourage trespassers.

Highlighted

However, Dr Ian James, who first highlighted safety concerns at the bridge, remains unimpressed by the plans which he fears are only short-term measures.

He said: "I would like all the timbers to be replaced.

"They have all been rotting at the same rate and need to be replaced at the same rate.

"I fear the same scenario again in six months time when a few more boards need to be replaced.

"Surely the cost of call-out fees to replace the odd board adds up to the same amount of money as replacing the entire bridge in one go."

Mr Crausby said: "I am pleased that Railtrack are addressing the issue and they have given it some serious consideration.

"But I agree with Dr James that it really does make more sense to do the entire bridge.

"Safety is the number one issue and none of us wants to be in this position in another six months time where Railtrack has to be contacted again because more boards need to be replaced."

Railtrack spokesman Bob Clarke said: "The point has been made to us that it would make more sense to replace the entire bridge in one go and we will take that back for further discussion."

The railway is part of the Bolton to Clitheroe line which passes through Bromley Cross. At peak times commuter trains travel under the bridge every 10 minutes.

The bridge is used by dog walkers, joggers and pupils from Turton High School.