New Elvet Bridge Petition Update - 16 June

I just wanted to drop you a quick line to say THANK YOU for signing the ‘Suspend closure of New Elvet Bridge, Durham City’ petition. By signing you are playing your part to help challenge the Durham County Council decision to close New Elvet Bridge next month.

*** Nearly 500 signatures!***

What are the next steps?

I will deliver this petition to Durham County Council to make sure its decision makers and trade negotiators fully understand the importance of New Elvet Bridge staying open to traffic to aid businesses who are planning to re-open their doors in Durham City next month post lockdown.

If Durham County Council do not entertain the idea of delaying closure of New Elvet Bridge then we (Durham businesses) seek financial compensation or grant from e.g. a business continuity fund for every month the Bridge remains closed, because there is no guarantee that it will be closed for 14 months only.

Action so far:

• I spoke to a representative of Durham City Parish Council last week prior to their council meeting, in response they have written to Durham County Council: Northern Echo Article 15 June
• I have written to Mary Foy MP to request her support.
• I have spoken to Adam Deathe from Durham BID.
• Today I had interview with the Chronicle Newspaper who are covering the petition

What else can you do?

Many people have signed this petition already, but we can’t stop there.

• Ask others to sign this petition by sharing it on social media.  Petition Link
• Follow and Like our new Facebook Support Group New Elvet Bridge, Durham - Network & Support Group or follow the new Twitter page @NewElvetBridge, and use our hashtag: #NewElvetBridge
• Email Mary Foy MP and ask her to join the call for suspending closure of New Elvet Bridge. I have done the leg work on a template so it would take you as little as two minutes. Feel free to add how it affects you as a business or customer. MP Letter Template

Thanks again,

Femke van Dreven