AN angry Redditch woman has called upon the County Council stick to their word when dealing with the Muskets Way bridge.
The bridge, on the Bromsgrove Highway, has been the site of many deaths over the past decade and the subject caused a heated discussion at a full council meeting in July.
On July 14, Coun Simon Garaghty promised to address the issue of the bridge within three months, after the council had earlier refused to cage the bridge as it was expected to cost £60,000,
One Redditch resident, furious at the apparent disregard for this promise, read a statement in front of the Council on Thursday (November 10): “It is very distressing for me to come here today to discuss an issue which in my opinion should have been dealt with years ago.
“The council gave us their word that something would be done to address this issue within three months, and only now – four months later – are they beginning to start the process.
“I feel this delay shows a real lack of respect for the families affected by the lives lost on this bridge. It also shows a lack of dedication and care for the public.”
While it has been agreed that the correct solution will depend on factors including the safety of those using the bridge and the safety of those travelling in vehicles on the Highway below, the timescale has been the main bugbear among those campaigning for change.
Coun Joe Baker said: “I think it’s a disgrace that she has to come before the council and say this. This should have been dealt with months ago, as promised.
“I unfortunately fell that it has fallen upon deaf ears , as the council continue to prolong the issue.
“The longer they do so, the more pain and heartache it causes the victims’ families. Something needs to be done now.”
