A long-shut woodland footbridge in Barnstaple at the centre of mounting public frustration could finally face a decision on its future, as council officials weigh up whether to scrap, replace or rebuild the ageing structure.

The crossing, which spans the Coney Gut stream, has been closed since early 2024 after inspections revealed significant decay in its main beams. Engineers later confirmed the structure was no longer safe, prompting its closure to the public.

The bridge had formed part of a well-used circular walking route through woodland, popular with walkers and dog walkers and previously used by a nearby primary school. Since its closure, access to the woodland remains possible from the southern end, but visitors must now return the same way.

According to a report prepared by Andrew Moulton, parks and grounds maintenance manager, the structure is believed to have been in place for around 35 years, dating back to when the surrounding housing development was first built.

Responsibility for the bridge remains unclear. Although Devon County Council initially inspected it in January 2024, the authority later confirmed the structure was not under its remit. The bridge is not listed as a public right of way.

Efforts to find a short-term fix were explored in August 2024, when a structural engineer assessed whether temporary repairs could allow the bridge to reopen. However, the estimated £12,000 cost, alongside ongoing scaffolding expenses, was deemed not cost effective.

The council has since received negative feedback from residents calling for the bridge to reopen.

Land ownership has also complicated matters. While the western bank is owned by North Devon Council, the eastern side belongs to Pearce Construction. The company declined to contribute towards replacement costs but indicated it would be willing to transfer its land to the council, subject to legal fees.

Councillors are now being asked to choose between three options.

The first would see the bridge, steps and foundations removed entirely at an estimated cost of £2,000, leaving the woodland accessible only via a single route.

The second option proposes replacing the structure with a new timber bridge, alongside new steps and foundations, at an estimated cost of £16,000.

The third would involve installing a steel-framed bridge, with associated works, costing around £21,000.

Additional costs of around £750 may also be required for environmental consent and potential planning permission due to the bridge’s position over a main river.

Funding would likely come from the council’s parks earmarked reserve, which currently stands at £23,000. However, the report warns that using this funding would reduce resources available for future equipment and maintenance needs.

The report will be considered by the Strategy and Resources Committee, which will decide how to proceed.

A wide-ranging plan to reshape the future of a town centre is gathering pace, with early signs of falling crime, new investment opportunities and a renewed focus on culture and community life.

A report presented to councillors outlines progress made by the Barnstaple Place Partnership Board, a multi-agency group set up to coordinate regeneration, economic growth and community wellbeing across the town.

The board, which has been meeting since July 2024, brings together representatives from local councils, businesses, the voluntary sector and public bodies to oversee improvements and deliver a long-term vision for the area.

The report states that the partnership aims to ensure the town is “a thriving place for all to live, work, visit and play”, using a coordinated approach to tackle challenges facing the high street and wider community.

Progress is being tracked through a Place Making Action Plan, which focuses on five key priorities: improving the look and feel of the town centre, enhancing how it functions, strengthening its overall offer, creating opportunities for change and improving place management.

Among the developments highlighted is work to improve safety, with a reduction in recorded crime and shoplifting noted, although concerns remain about under-reporting. Measures include the continuation of a street marshal scheme until the end of 2026, additional funding to tackle anti-social behaviour and efforts to expand CCTV coverage.

Environmental improvements are also under way. A street scene group now meets every six weeks, bringing together council teams, police and other partners to coordinate responses to issues such as graffiti and flyposting. Funding has been secured to support clean-up work and environmental enhancements, including new planting and greening initiatives.

The report also points to progress in boosting the town’s appearance and cultural offer. Public art installations are expected in summer 2026, while a cultural development programme has been extended. A town events team has been established to promote activities, supported by seasonal brochures and a relaunch of the town’s promotional campaigns.

Efforts to support businesses are continuing, with free webinars offered to retailers and grants previously awarded to 29 businesses to improve shopfronts and premises. Work is also under way to develop a commercial prospectus aimed at attracting new investment into the town centre.

Vacant properties remain a key focus. A dedicated group has been set up to address the issue, with audits completed and enforcement action taken in some cases. A scheme offering free pre-application planning advice for commercial and mixed-use developments has already been taken up by ten businesses.

Transport and infrastructure projects are also being monitored, including junction improvements, bus priority schemes and enhancements to the railway station forecourt. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact of these works, with assurances given that updates will continue to be provided.

The partnership is also working to improve coordination between organisations, with regular reporting structures now in place and performance data being collected to track footfall, retail activity and visitor behaviour.

An annual public forum is due to be held in July to showcase progress and gather feedback from residents and stakeholders.

The report concludes that significant resources are being invested by partner organisations, with ongoing collaboration seen as key to delivering long-term improvements and ensuring the town centre remains viable and attractive in the future.