The future of an abandoned footbridge could become clearer on Monday.

The footbridge, which connects Riverside Court and the back of Sainsbury’s car park, has been the subject of so much debate a letter has even been written to the Queen.

Halstead Town Council is expected to confirm it is prepared to take over control for £1, but only if another organisation agrees to pay the £55,000 repair costs, A discussion will take place at Monday’s town council meeting.

Current owners the Crown Estate originally refused to pay for repairs but confirmed discussions are ongoing with Essex County Council.

A spokesman for Essex Highways said: “Good progress is being made with a positive approach by all parties.”

A Sainsbury’s spokesman said: “We understand this is an important matter to many of our customers and we continue to work closely with the council to find a solution.”

Braintree Council has declined to get involved. Nobody has agreed to pay for the work yet.