Demolition of Hackbridge railway bridges underway

It is with a sad heart that we're writing to let you know the demolition of the two Hackbridge railway bridges by Network Rail has begun. It will be completed by the end of the weekend. We are determined to make sure this is only a setback for the ambitions to create a new Wandle Metropolitan Park stretching from Beddington Park to Mitcham. This vast area of open space - more than three times the size of Hyde Park - has never been coherently managed and much remains off limits. If the loss of the bridges can have a silver lining it is to reignite the momentum to deliver a new open space for London. The first green shoots are visible. Sutton Council has said that "now is the time for action" and Sutton Council Leader Ruth Dombey has told Wandle Valley Forum that she is "glad to work together to find ways of providing pedestrian access. Important for the future of the park." As a first step one thing is certain - any sensible plans for future public access are going to need better access over the railway. Sutton Council is already building a new school right next to where a new bridge will be needed. Ruth Dombey has agreed that Sutton Council will debate our petition for a replacement bridge. Thank you for signing it. Please may we ask you to spread the word using the link below https://www.change.org/p/ruth-dombey-leader-of-sutton-council-support-the-building-of-a-new-hackbridge-railway-bridge