Fight launched to get tram death bridge lit

The Dispatch has reported that some people are reluctant to walk across the bridge when it gets dark because they do not think it is safe to use.

The £1.5m bridge has been erected over the rail and tram tracks between the village and the junction of Hucknall bypass with Nottingham Road.

Sherwood Conservative MP Mark Spencer opened the bridge last month. It was put up after the tragic death of 13-year-old Lindsey Inger, of Longford Crescent, Bulwell Hall Estate, who was hit by a tram on the crossing on November 28 last year.

Four years earlier, Jean Hoggart and her seven-year-old grandson, Mikey Dawson, both of Hucknall, also lost their lives when they were struck by a train at the same location.

Mr Spencer has called for the bridge to be lit and Ashfield District Council are pressing for action, even though they do not own the land.

In a statement, the council said they had stressed to Network Rail that Notts County Council expected the bridge to be illuminated so as to ensure the safety of pedestrians, but no scheme had yet been forthcoming.

Parish council chairman Coun Denis Beeston said: “This bridge should have been lit up and we will continue asking for this to happen.”