NEWS that Wokingham Station's Victorian footbridge is to be repaired has been announced recently, to mixed responses from residents.

The footbridge, which has been standing at Wokingham Station for more than a century, is to be repaired, according to a recent planning application.

The application was received by the Wokingham Borough Council on July 23, and was submitted by Network Rail.

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The application for the structure is currently in its consultation period, which will end this Friday, September 11.

Despite the news of the site's repairs, not all residents are so convinced the works will be handled as well as needed.

Cllr Rachel Bishop-Firth, Wokingham resident, said: "The footbridge at Wokingham station is unique in the country - it's a grade 2 listed Victorian structure made from old sleepers and rails.

"It's the only one of its kind still in use.

"The rails are now badly corroded, the woodwork needs attention and the bricks need repointing.

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"The Wokingham Society, rail enthusiasts and I have all been campaigning for repairs for a number of years and we are really pleased to see that Network Rail have put in a planning application for work to be done on the bridge.

"The planning number on the Wokingham Borough website is 201830.

"It's not completely clear from the plans what work will be done.

"I have left comments asking for clarification that the corrosion will be fully treated, the timber replaced where needed with new timber and not an obvious artificial substance, and that the woodwork, stone and brick will be given all the attention needed.

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"If you would like to leave a comment, the deadline is this Friday, 11th September."

To leave a comment on the planning application, visit https://bit.ly/3lVG00C.