Hundreds of frustrated commuters are demanding a wholesale refurbishment of Hove Station’s footbridge, which is currently closed while it is cleaned and repainted.
Almost 400 people have now signed a petition started by the Hove Station Neighbourhood Forum, which says it is continuing to deteriorate, and calls for a complete refurb, or redesign to include a lift.
It says: “The Hove Station Bridge is continuing to deteriorate. It is unsightly and not effectively cleaned.
“The absence of lifts makes access to the station from the north side of the railway extremely difficult for people with disabilities and makes using the bridge difficult for people with young children and people carrying heavy luggage or shopping.”
Although the petition is addressed to Brighton and Hove City Council, responsibility for the bridge belongs with Network Rail. A spokeswoman said: “The footbridge at Hove station was closed on 10 February while we repaired a section of the roof, which had been damaged by high winds.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused while this essential work took place.”
For information, we need to close the footbridge again for two weeks starting on 22 February. This is to allow us to undertake further structural repairs to the footbridge.
“It will also be cleaned and painted during the closure. During this time, Fonthill Road (to the West of the station) will be used as a diversionary route. We thank passengers in advance for their patience.”
This is not the first time such a petition has been presented to the council. Two years ago, 250 people signed a similar one started by wheelchair user Jennifer Keeble.
