HAVING just moved to Halstead I have been puzzled by the state of what I think is known as the Portway or Town Bridge.

I understand it has been closed for some years due to safety concerns and that a report was discussed at a recent meeting involving Essex, Braintree and Halstead councils.

I found one report in the Gazette about the meeting but have seen no report of what happened.

I am reliably informed that there are plans to repair and re-open the bridge involving costs of some £80,000 or so. While this does seem a significant amount for a mere footbridge it is an important access route for disabled people between two of the main retirement homes in Halstead and provides safe and traffic tree access between several major commercial town facilities including of course the library and the bus station.

As a newcomer it does seem to me that this deserves more urgent attention than it appears to be getting.

Perhaps the Gazette could find out what is happening and report it?

Richard Woods

Rosemary Lane

Halstead