The well-used footbridge linking the area around Waitrose to the Town Meadow in the centre of Gillingham is to be closed for a month for refurbishment.

The Red Lion Footbridge, as it is called, will be shut from Monday 3 January as staff from Dorset Council’s bridges and structures team work on it.

However, the council says there will be a temporary walkway installed nearby to ensure access for the public.

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: ‘Recent inspections have shown a deterioration of the bridge deck and parapets.

‘It is therefore proposed to replace the bridge deck using timber effect glass reinforced plastic deck boards and new timber parapets.’

In a letter to local residents the council writes: ‘Unfortunately, with this sort of work, some inconveniences may be caused but we will ensure that it is kept to a minimum. If you feel the work is likely to cause any particular problems, which could be helped by special arrangements (e.g. for anyone with a mobility problem), then please contact our Scheme Engineer.

‘Should you have any problems or reasons for complaint whilst the work is going on, it would be helpful if you could let our Scheme Engineer know at once. They will then be able to ensure that the earliest possible action is taken to overcome them.

‘The Scheme Engineer will be Tanya Ruseva, who is based at County Hall and can be contacted by
telephone on 01305 225 337. Alternatively, a message can be left with Dorset Direct on 01305 221000, who will arrange for the Scheme Engineer to contact you.

‘Once the works have started, the construction team’s representative, Kevin Davis, can be contacted on 01305 228 100.’