by Sarah Shaffi

sshaffi@thekmgroup.co.uk

Pedestrians who ignore warnings not to walk on a bridge during repairs could be putting themselves at risk.

The warning comes from The Rochester Bridge Trust which is carrying out refurbishment work on the old section of Rochester Bridge.

The charity has closed the footpath on what has become known as the old bridge and advised people wanting to cross to use the footpath on the new side but many are choosing to walk along the cycle path on the old side.

Bridge clerk Sue Threader said: “I worry haste could lead to a needless accident, with a pedestrian being struck by either a cyclist or car.

“We regret the inconvenience during the essential works, but the footway across the new bridge is still open and we would urge pedestrians to use it when crossing the river rather than walking in the road or cycle lane on the old bridge.

“Both bridges get very busy with traffic and pedestrians still trying to use the old bridge are putting themselves at unnecessary risk for the sake of an extra 30 seconds to cross the road at one of the pedestrian crossings and use the other footway.”

The work being done includes refurbishment of balustrade along the bridge.