Dear Mr Dean,

Thank you very much for sharing the petition regarding the closure of the vital footbridge over the M3 between Bagshot and Lightwater.

I wish to assure you that I very much share residents’ concerns regarding National Highways’ sudden decision to close this footbridge on 3 October. It’s hugely valuable to the local communities, and I completely agree that to lose this route for the mooted 24 months is unacceptable and would be a significant blow to all those who use it so frequently.

On 3 October, I wrote to National Highways to raise these concerns, and on 6 October, I telephoned the Roads Minister, Richard Holden MP, to discuss the need to ensure a replacement footbridge is in place as soon as possible. He promised that he and the Transport Secretary would take this up with National Highways, at my request, and I also followed up that conversation by writing to him at the Department for Transport.

Furthermore, on 13 October, I had a virtual meeting with Christine Allen, National Highways’ Regional Director for the South East, together with local County, Borough and Parish Councillors, Rebecca Jennings-Evans, Richard Tear, Valerie White and Katia Malcaus Cooper. I made it clear that a replacement footbridge must be in place sooner and that plans to install a replacement are accelerated as an absolute priority. Following this meeting, I have since received responses from National Highways and the Roads Minister explaining that work is being undertaken at pace to advance the expected completion date.

Whilst I am pleased that National Highways now better recognizes the value of this footbridge, it is vital to keep the pressure on, and I will, of course, continue to work with colleagues to do everything possible to expedite the installation of a replacement footbridge, restoring this crucial route for residents.

I will continue to share any further updates on my Facebook page and website, and I do hope you find this response reassuring.

Thank you again for getting in touch.

With every good wish,
Michael

Rt Hon. Michael Gove MP
Member of Parliament for Surrey Heath