A SCHEME to build a footbridge to link a proposed development on the outskirts of Ludlow with the rest of the town has not been well received according to a survey.

Residents of Fishmore View, are telling housing developers they do not want a proposed footbridge that would be more than 250 metres long (275 yards) and 7 metres (23 feet) above the bed of the River Corve.

It would link a planned development of up to 215 homes beside the A49 bypass with the play area at Fishmore View.

But Andy Boddington, who represents Ludlow North on Shropshire Council, claims residents in the area are against the bridge.

“In the last few days I have conducted a survey of the 33 households most affected by the footbridge on Fishmore View and Corve View,” he said.

“Almost everyone is against the plans for a footbridge leading from the development to Fishmore View. Twenty-three of the 27 households that responded to my survey said they were resolutely against the bridge. Just one person was in favour and three households had no view either way.

“Those against the bridge are worried that it will turn Fishmore View into a car park for dog walkers. Residents are also concerned that the bridge will be a magnet for antisocial behaviour. They are worried about safety too.

“The footbridge serves no useful purpose."

But Andy Boddington says local opinion is mixed about the housing development with those against worried about the pressure that it would put on local services such as GP practices.