PARK users have hit out over council failures to repair a foot bridge, leaving it “unsafe and neglected” for a whole year.

The bridge that goes over the River Roding in Ray Park, Woodford Green, was closed exactly a year ago on Monday (August 1, 2015) after Redbridge Council declared it unsafe.

It forms part of the Roding Valley Cycle Network, connecting Ray Park with Woodford Bridge, Loughton and Buckhurst Hill via the Roding Valley Path.

But despite repeated complaints from park users, residents and opposition councillors, the bridge is still damaged one year on.

Chris Kurton, of Debden Close, Woodford Green, used to cycle across the bridge every day and is “frustrated” over the council’s lack of action.

He said: “They have spent an absolute fortune on the cycle network, but what’s the point in doing that at all if people can’t use it?

“They have spent money on things like fancy new signs for the park, but not on fixing a bridge that people use every day.

“We pay our council tax and yet our local infrastructure isn’t being looked after – it’s just not good enough."

His 73-year-old neighbour Terry Holt in Canfield Road is worried about the effect not being able to use the bridge is having on his health.

He said: “I walk through the park every day, but with the bridge broken I have to go all the way round, down Snakes Lane East.

“I feel very exposed to the fumes of all the cars that speed along there – it’s in the interests of residents’ health and wellbeing to fix that bridge.”

Parents-of-one Owen Frankish and Sam Seren from Woodford Bridge echoed Mr Holt’s concerns about the “dangerous” alternative routes people are having to take along busy roads.

Ms Seren said: “The facilities in the park are fantastic, but we can’t make the most of them without the access of the bridge.

“Instead we have to cross dangerous, busy junctions, which isn’t what we want to be doing with a 14-month-old baby.”

Leader of the Redbridge Conservatives and Bridge ward Cllr Paul Canal claims the council only restricted access to the bridge this week, despite it being unsafe for 12 months before that.

He said: “Despite the bridge being closed on safety grounds, it was not shut off and no warning signs were put in place.

“It was only on Monday when I demanded action that they restricted access.

“This is a vital pedestrian foot bridge and the council’s neglect of it is both an abrogation of responsibility and serious health and safety breach.”

His Conservative ward colleague Cllr Robin Turbefield estimated the bridge repair could cost the council £50,000.

He said although the sum is “a big chunk of money for any council”, the lack of investment in his ward is “unfair to residents”.

Redbridge Council has been contacted for comment.