BOVEY Tracey Town Council has welcomed plans to replace an ageing pedestrian bridge but expressed concerns that the proposed 38-week scheme could damage town centre businesses.
There are also worries about people having to walk through an unlit field at night to follow a path diversion.
The existing walkway over the River Bovey in Station Road was built almost a century ago and strengthened in 2010.
Now Devon County Council Highways Engineers have called time on the structure, saying a replacement is needed.
They are proposing to do away with the current cantilevered design, held in place by anchor points under the road on the ancient stone bridge, and build a new independent footway supported by columns.
Sean Mills from Devon County Council’s Engineering Design Group told a meeting of Bovey Tracey Full Council on Monday November 9 that work on the 38-week project could start next May.
He said road closures and traffic lights would be required and, in response to members’ earlier request for safer pedestrian access to the Co-op store, was considering options which may prevent vehicles turning right when leaving the shop’s car park.
That alarmed Cllr Lisa Robillard Webb who said: ‘Oh my gosh, that’s going to really impact the town massively, because we’ve already got a reduced 15 per cent footfall on the high street. I’m quite horrified as we’re already really struggling.’
Cllr Eoghan Kelly described the proposed temporary footway in the road as ‘a massive waste of time and energy’, saying there was existing pedestrian access to the Co-op and MAKE gallery through the car park off Le Molay Littry Way.
The meeting learned that diversionary footpaths on either side of the river would pass through a field and adjoining garden, with a temporary footbridge over the water.
Cllr Robillard Webb asked if there would be nighttime lighting.
‘That’s something I’ve still got to look at,’ said Mr Mills, prompting Cllr Robillard Webb to respond: ‘I would be nervous of walking through a field in the dark.’
The meeting also heard that part of the new path would be lowered opposite the Co-op in readiness for any future pedestrian crossing.
Mayor Cllr Sheila Brooke thanked Mr Mills for attending the meeting and welcomed his offer to return with updates to address the concerns members had expressed.
‘To their credit, they really have listened to us,’ she said.
More news
-
Bovey Tracey Town Council awards £25,000 grant to boost solar energy at community swimming pool
MEMBERS of Bovey Tracey Town Council have awarded a grant of £25,000 to help the town’s charity-operated outdoor swimming pool install an improved solar energy system.
Added: 11 November 2026
Bovey Tracey’s South West in Bloom gold winners honoured in ceremony
AMATEUR gardeners and volunteers of all ages who helped Bovey Tracey win a Gold in this year’s RHS South West in Bloom contest and receive The Preece Cup for best in category have been honoured at the town’s Riverside Community Centre.
Added: 11 November 2026
Water safety improvements planned for Bovey Tracey’s Mill Marsh Park
WATER safety in Bovey Tracey’s Mill Marsh Park is set to be taken up a notch with the introduction of new lifesaving equipment and public information boards.
Added: 29 October 2026
Volunteers clear litter from Bovey Tracey woodland
VOLUNTEERS have cleared a Bovey Tracey woodland of rubbish left by inconsiderate visitors.
Added: 23 October 2026
Remembrance Sunday in Bovey Tracey
This year’s Remembrance events in Bovey Tracey are set to begin at 9.
Added: 09 October 2026
Eco heating system at Bovey Tracey’s Riverside centre will cut emissions and bills
A NEW eco-friendly heating system at Bovey Tracey’s Riverside Centre will cut carbon emissions and looks set to cost the town’s tax payers nothing, members have been told.
Added: 10 September 2026
Bovey Tracey Town Council awards £2,000 grant to discount food scheme
THE charity that operates a weekly discounted food scheme has been awarded a £2,000 grant by Bovey Tracey Town Council.
Added: 10 September 2026
Bovey Tracey Town Council agrees to appoint contractor for £60,000 Heathfield play park improvement scheme
BOVEY Tracey Town Council has agreed to appoint specialist contractors to carry out a £60,000 makeover of a tired play park in Heathfield.
Added: 10 September 2026
£20,000 CCTV installation in Bovey Tracey at no cost to residents
A £20,000 CCTV scheme looks set to be coming to Bovey Tracey with none of the installation costs being landed on residents.
Added: 10 September 2026
The Riverside Community Centre in Bovey Tracey looks set to get an artistic makeover, led by the town’s teenagers.
Creation of a ‘youth-friendly space’ in the building, owned by the town council and supported by the National Lottery, was recommended by officials from Devon Communities Together who had helped monitor The National Lottery Funding objectives.
Added: 03 September 2026
Grounds man Roger Rance - 25 years commitment to Bovey Tracey
WHEN unexpected redundancy forced welder/fabricator Roger Rance into early retirement at the age of 55, positive changes were to follow.
Added: 12 August 2026
Bike maintenance point available free to cyclists in Bovey Tracey
CYCLISTS passing through Bovey Tracey can make use of a new £1,200 bike repair point donated by members of South Devon Cyclists Touring Club (SDCTC).
Added: 09 July 2026
For older news articles please click here to view our news archive.