COUNCILLORS unhappy at the “untold” damage a closed footbridge is doing to Halstead are considering launching a petition.

The bridge in Chapel Street has been out of action since 2014 after it was assessed to be too dangerous.

Essex county councillor Joe Pike, who has lived in Halstead since 1982, has continually criticised County Hall for failing to take action over the bridge.

Back in 2014 when the bridge was first closed Mr Pike said money should have been spent on it in 2007 after concerns were first raised.

The bridge is owned by the Crown Estate, which refuses to do any maintenance or repair work to it.

But Mr Pike is unhappy correspondence between County Hall, Braintree Council and Crown Estate has got “nowhere”.

The sticking point is thought to be the six-figure price tag of any repairs.

Mr Pike posed a written question to Essex County Council over concerns about the lack of progress.

He was told the issue was now with the Crown Estate solicitor.

He said: “But up to this stage they have got nowhere.

“We have just got to keep on – the problem as always is money – but I am making the point it is causing untold damage to the people of Halstead.

“One suggestion is to get a petition going.”

Mr Pike said he would be discussing the potential for a petition with his fellow councillors.

Halstead residents expressed interest in raising the funds through the community, but this is now highly unlikely after Essex County Council estimated that could cost “several hundred thousand pounds”.

Halstead Town Council is keen to see the footbridge return, but does not have the funds for large projects.

A spokesman for Essex County Council said: “We would listen care- fully to any proposals regarding this footbridge once issues surrounding ownership and permissions have been resolved. Action relating to this is being undertaken by Braintree Council, which own the land adjacent to the bridge.”