Whether or not to progress with the installation of replacement Goodland Gardens footbridge is on the agenda for Taunton Town Council Full Council 6pm Tuesday evening (12 May) at Deane House (will also be live streamed). The report for decision is in a huge bundle with all the papers so I've scraped it out and can send anyone interested a copy. 
 
Councillors are being asked whether they wish to progress and if so are being presented with two outline design options - main difference is one is higher above the water level than the other and so costs a bit more. 
 
Every time it comes to moving this project forward what has happened is that I see more fellow councillors who were all in favour at the start when we agreed to get cracking on this peeling off (assorted reasons) plus am mindful that among the general public there are those who don't want investment in infrastructure and don't get the role a bridge in this location plays .....just to emphasise what we are up against.
 
I remain committed because to me its not just a 'nice to have' we NEED to secure a car free route connecting bishops hull, longrun, french weir and the town centre and its necessary to enable easily accessible routes into and out of the town centre. Taunton's future hinges on making more of the river and connecting green spaces - a big selling point is closeness to nature and having to divert onto a dirty great big road where once we could enjoy nature along a whole route....well sub optimal doesn't cover it.
 
If given the go ahead there is lots more process inc further design work, consultation with EA and planning lying ahead.

Do get in touch if you want more info and especially if you need to know who your local cllr is to lobby them in advance of Tuesday x Caro 07473 119425 friendsofgoodlandgardens@gmail.com