Footbridge waters are muddied

WHILST the installation of a footbridge at Elsenham is an obvious solution to a potential danger, following the tragic deaths of the two 14-year-old girls Olivia Bazlinton and Charlotte Thompson, it would seem that this whole matter has been muddied by th

WHILST the installation of a footbridge at Elsenham is an obvious solution to a potential danger, following the tragic deaths of the two 14-year-old girls Olivia Bazlinton and Charlotte Thompson, it would seem that this whole matter has been muddied by the forces of political correctness.

The main objection voiced has been the cost of one million pounds a staggering figure due, so it seems, to the need to make provision for the disabled.

Whilst nobody would deny the need to help this group some doubt must be expressed as to whether it is necessary in this instance.

For a start how many disabled people actually use or wish to use Elsenham Station?

The main point however is that if lifts either side of a bridge are installed the speed of these things, they are much slower in practice than normal ones, is such that by the time someone got from one side to the other the train would have gone and the level crossing reopened.

Audley End is a different proposition as there is no surface route to the Cambridge platform and therefore lifts are very highly desirable.

In reality either someone is a little short of brain power or using the excuse of the cost of lifts which are not necessary to avoid doing anything.

A little thinking 'outside the box' is badly needed.

T. Rumble

Walden Road

Sewards End

Saffron Walden