“Together we can fund a new bridge for residents to cross the river and to attract people to this beautiful part of north Battersea” – Melanie Hampton
Melanie Hampton, a Conservative candidate and community activist in St Mary’s Park ward has today called on local residents to support a proposed new footbridge linking Battersea to Fulham. This follows a long campaign to build support for the bridge in Wandsworth Borough Council.
A new pedestrian bridge alongside the railway bridge will connect the north and south of the river and bring great benefits to both communities. Residents on both sides of the river will enjoy greater access to train stations such as Imperial Wharf, the Thames Clipper river service, cycle and bus routes, as well as shops, restaurants, bars and cafes.
Speaking in Battersea earlier, Melanie Hampton, who has served as a councillor in St Mary’s Park, since 2014 said:
“Local people have consistently told me how much they need a new footbridge for pedestrians and cyclists. I am so excited that this dream is closer than ever to becoming a reality. With agreement in principle from both Wandsworth Council and Hammersmith and Fulham everything is falling into place!”
Last year Wandsworth Council commissioned a range of technical tests as well as making a commitment that the bridge will be part-funded through the Community Infrastructure Levy. The council is seeking contributions for the remaining costs from Transport for London and other sponsors.
Ravi Govindia, the Conservative leader of the Council said:
“The council has always supported this project and the tireless campaigning of the local Conservative candidates Melanie Hampton, Rhodri Morgan and Charles Pitt, means today we are one more step closer to delivering a new bridge for Battersea.”
Melanie Hampton went on to say:
“I am so pleased that we can part use the money from new housing along the river to create a new community asset for everyone. There have been calls for a bridge here in Battersea for nearly a hundred years. I really hope that in the spirit of the great philanthropists and civic leaders of the Victorian era the two local councils, local businesses and friends of Battersea and others will get behind this project and create a lasting legacy for north Battersea.”