Herefordshire Council is pleased to announce the awarding of a contract to carry out essential restoration works on five footbridges across the county.
This investment forms part of Herefordshire Council’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving public rights of way, ensuring safe and accessible routes for residents and visitors alike.
The restoration works will be delivered under the Council’s Public Rights of Way (PRoW) Works Order Programme, which focuses on enhancing rural infrastructure and supporting active travel.
The five footbridges identified for repair have been prioritised due to their condition and importance to local connectivity.
The restoration of these footbridges will bring about a range of benefits to the community, including:
- Improve safety and accessibility for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders.
- Support local tourism and leisure by maintaining scenic walking routes.
- Enhance connectivity between rural communities.
- Contribute to the Council’s wider sustainability and wellbeing goals.
The works are expected to be completed within the current financial year, with minimal disruption to public access during construction. They will involve the removal of five existing timber footbridges and their replacement with new, durable structures designed to meet modern accessibility and safety standards.
The footbridges are located in the following areas:
- Almeley (AM22A) – Golden Valley North
- Madley (MY3A) – Stoney Street
- Newton (NW13) – Golden Valley South
- Whitbourne (WR22) – Bromyard Bringsty
- Fownhope (FWC2C) – Backbury
Since the beginning of the year the council has replaced 14 footbridges, refurbished 9 and a further 5 are currently in the process of being installed. 30 more footbridges are set to be renewed over the next 2 years.
Councillor Dan Hurcomb, Cabinet Member for Local Engagement and Community Resilience, said:
"Investing in our footbridges is about more than just infrastructure – it’s about connecting communities, encouraging active lifestyles, and preserving access to the natural beauty of Herefordshire.
“These improvements will make a real difference to residents and visitors who rely on our public rights of way for work, leisure, and wellbeing. Without it these paths would either close, or continue to be closed, to the public for safety reasons, so I’m delighted to see this project moving forward."