THE future of Alton Station’s Victorian footbridge remains precarious after its sudden closure by Network Rail, raising a question over whether or not it can be repaired.

According to a statement from Network Rail: “The decision was taken to close the bridge after an inspection showed it be less structurally sound than expected. No decisions about the long term future of the bridge have yet been made.”

While acknowledging that Network Rail has done an enormous amount of work and spent a lot of money over recent years to improve the experience for passengers using Alton Station, the closure has caused concern that the cost of the repairs may be greater than anticipated and that it may make the job unviable.

The possible loss of the station’s historic timber footbridge, following the erection in October 2013 of a new £1.7m bridge with lifts, has triggered the formation of a steering group to set up the Friends of Alton Station (FAS) – a group of enthusiasts determined to preserve the heritage of Alton’s Victorian station.

In nearly 18 months the group has gathered information and met with representatives from Network Rail (NR), leading to a planned public meeting next month to formally launch FAS.

According to supporters Annette Blackman and Robert Pagett, an informal agreement had been reached with NR that the company would carry out essential repairs to keep the old footbridge serviceable for five years while FAS would aim to raise the funds needed to take over responsibility for the structure. However, on closer inspection it seems NR has found more structural damage.

According to FAS the footbridge was erected in around 1892 by the London and South Western Railway. Its wooden structure was originally built as an open bridge with balustraded and lattice-work sides, but by 1895 it had been enclosed, following successful lobbying by the ladies of the town. It is believed to be the only surviving example of its kind in the region.

FAS supporters believe the wooden footbridge is not only important for its historic value as an integral part of the Victorian station but that it is key to maintaining the passenger experience needed to support the Mid Hants Railway (MHR) heritage line.

Ms Blackman also points out that it is valued by passengers in a practical sense, providing access not only to Watercress Line steam trains at Platform 3, but giving double access to large numbers of commuters using Platform 2, without having to walk the length of both Platform 1 and 2 in the rain to use the new bridge.

While MHR Watercress Line was given the opportunity to take over the use and maintenance of the bridge, it could not meet the costs.

MHR chairman Colin Chambers said he has been in discussion with SWT-Network Rail Alliance over the future of the bridge offered to the heritage railway but the sticking point is the cost of maintenance.

Having recently renegotiated its lease at Alton Station to secure the future of the Mid Hants Watercress Line’s use of Platform 3 for the next 50 years, Mr Chambers said that this included paying a percentage towards the maintenance of the new bridge, adding: “It would be beyond our means to maintain two bridges.”

He told the Herald: “If the old footbridge is to be taken down, we have said we will take it off SWT’s hands, with a view to refurbishing it and re-using it elsewhere on the line but, unless somebody wants to give us a grant to maintain it, we could not afford to keep it in situ.”

Mr Chambers also said that to maintain the old bridge would be difficult in that it stands over the third (electric) rail, meaning that any work would have to be carried out at night, with the power turned off.

While the future of the bridge remains uncertain, FAS steering group chairman Stephen Lewis said that the group had welcomed the investment over recent years by Network Rail in Alton station’s passenger facilities, which has included the re-roofing of the station building, providing the new bridge, refurbishing the toilets and resurfacing Platform 2.

If Alton is to have any chance of keeping the footbridge, for the benefit of all concerned, Mr Lewis is keen to encourage as many people as possible to attend the public meeting, at 7pm on September 17, at Alton Community Centre, which will see the official launch of the Friends of Alton Station.