Pedestrian fell into river in Manorhamliton as bridge is too narrow

Cllr Felim Gurn said at a recent meeting that a low bridge at Manorhamilton is "an accident waiting to happen".

He said that "over the summer months, a bad accident was narrowly avoided at the Curley Bridge beside Mill Hill Lawns and Manorhamilton Mart. There is no pedestrian access and with heavy traffic of HGVs, tractors, buses and cars as well as pedestrians are in danger every day while walking along that bridge. The height of this bridge is too low and needs to be looked at as part of the SLNCR Greenway." 

He explained that when trying to avoid a lorry, a person "fell over and fell into the river so it was very lucky there wasn't a casualty there."

Cllr Gurn also said with students back at school and works ongoing at the Brae, the height of Whittakers Bridge is too low and there was a risk that students and pedestrians could fall into the river there and asked the area office to examine "both of these issues urgently." 
The official response said that there had previously been plans to provide safe Active Travel measures at Curley Bridge, but they were deemed premature until the preferred route of the SLNCR is determined. The SLNCR project is currently at Phase 2 Option selection. As regards Whittakers Bridge, this will be inspected with a view to carry out repair works."

Cllr Frank Dolan supported the motion and said that Curley Bridge  was "extremely dangerous and extremely narrow".

Cllr Gurn said that with five phases in the plan, it would be two or three years before planning permission can be sought.