Parents are irate over an announcement without consultation that two pedestrian bridges at Bangor are to be demolished in the next fortnight.
A bailey bridge was erected to provide a safe crossing of Menai Road for pupils soon after the opening of Bangor Primary School in 1984.
Another bailey bridge was subsequently erected across Akuna Avenue, adjoining the oval.
A leaflet issued by Sutherland Shire Council said the condition of the bridges, which were originally built for temporary use, had declined over time and they would soon pose a risk to public safety.
“Recent studies reviewed pedestrian use in the area and concluded the two signalled crossings located in close proximity to the bridges are more commonly used and a replacement bridge would not warrant the significant cost,” the leaflet said.
The council said demolition would take place during the school holidays, starting on July 9.
President of the Bangor Primary School P&C Laura Langkjar said a number of parents were upset with the decision, particularly the lack of consultation and warning.
Ms Langkjar said the school principal was only notified yesterday (Monday) and there had been no discussion with the school community.
“The principal was told it is happening and nothing can be done to stop it,” she said.
Ms Langkjar said the bridge next to the school was regularly used by children, particularly those who walked to school alone.
It was a much safer crossing for chldren than the nearby traffic lights, she said.
Adults also used it to cross to the bus stop.
A protest meeting is being organised to try to stop the demolition.
A council spokeswoman said the bridges, which were built as temporary structures, had “outlived their predicted lifespan”.
“Ongoing condition assessments under council’s asset management policy have now determined their condition has reached the stage of needing to be removed or replaced,” she said.
“Council’s decision to remove the bridges was informed principally by increased risk to public safety due to the bridges’ age and corrosion.
“A recent survey identified that there is low use of the bridges with alternate safe signalised pedestrian crossings available within close proximity.
“The alternative of replacing the bridges would also come at a significant cost to ratepayers.
“Residents, schools and businesses in surrounding areas have been advised of the removal works that are scheduled to commence in the July school holiday period.
“Overall safety for both pedestrians and motorists was the key consideration in this decision for our community.”
Parent power was responsible for the bailey bridge being erected in the first place.
While four years of planning went into the showpiece school, which cost $2.6 million, bureaucrats overlooked the fact most of the 400 pupils lived on the other side of busy Menai Road.
After a brief campaign by parents, the footbridge was erected as a temporary solution.
