Temporary footbridge closure extended by 12 months

A temporary footbridge built to replace a crossing over a river which was shut due to safety concerns, will remain closed for another 12 months.

Derby City Council said it had identified erosion to the River Derwent riverbank at the Darley Abbey temporary footbridge, known as Walter's Walkway back in December 2025.

But council bosses have now confirmed experts have told them the bridge cannot be safely reopened until the original bridge is demolished - which the council does not own.

Councillor Carmel Swan, cabinet member for transport, said the bridge would be removed "subject to securing funding".

The crossing was installed over the original structure in October 2022 at a reported cost of about £300,000.

In December, the council said erosion had progressed and there was evidence the bank on the Old Lane side of the river had been undercut.

Funding is also being sought from East Midlands Combined County Authority to carry out the demolition and associated works.

Swan said the closure of Walter's Walkway was "a source of frustration and disappointment" and the council "will work with businesses to assist them in accessing support".

But she added "public safety is our absolute priority and must come first".

"We have been working hard to develop suitable proposals and secure the funding that is needed at this stage. There is a process to follow, and several financial and legal challenges to overcome, but we will continue to push on with these proposals and restore permanent access for our residents and the wider community.

"While the original bridge is not a council asset, we are fully committed to delivering a new permanent bridge for Darley.

"This will involve the council seeking to take official ownership and all the risks associated with ownership of the old bridge, subject to a cabinet decision in March."

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