Allotment holders at Hareham Gardens in Ruddington are celebrating the completion of their new footbridge.
It spans a brook and provides a step-free route between the two halves of the site – which houses a total of 62 plots. It needed to be suitable for wheelchair users – whilst the adults with learning difficulties who are supported by the THERA Trust to grow crops on one of the plots needed safe access to get between the car park and their plot.
The new structure replaces an older footbridge (pictured below) which, although only installed in 2010, had already begun to rot. Trustees of the James Peacock Bread Charity, which owns and operates the site, feared it would have become unsafe if left for much longer so, last year, set about on sourcing a replacement. Whilst the new footbridge still has wooden sides, in keeping with its surroundings, it now has a ‘long-life’ concrete deck – which is expected to last at least fifty years.
Many of those involved in making the new footbridge a reality gathered this afternoon (13th October) at Hareham Gardens Allotments, to attend the official opening ceremony (top photo). This was conduced by Robin Crinage, Chair of the Trustees, who gave thanks to all those who contributed.
This included financial help from The National Lottery Community Fund, The Jones 1986 Trust, The Sir John Eastwood Foundation – and also Ruddington’s Rushcliffe Borough Councillors Gary Dickman, Jen Walker and Mike Gaunt, who all donated cash for the bridge from their RBC community funds. Cllr Dickman also provided free management to the project on site.
Bridge designer Peter Johnson-Marshall, who is also Secretary of the James Peacock Bread Charity, explains: “When Gary took the old bridge down the extent of rot was quite surprising and this confirmed our decision to go for a long-life concrete deck this time. Gary also used his knowledge to organise a small crane to lift in precast concrete beams followed by ready-mix concrete for the deck.”
“I was pleased to donate from my Community Fund for the replacement of this bridge along with the other Councillors” says Gary. “Peter had difficulty in getting a building company to undertake the project in a timely manner, so we decided to do it ourselves. We pooled our resources and local talent and this is what our community has achieved. I am sure it will be in use for many years to come and a job well done. Thanks to everyone involved.”
Fellow Borough Councillors Jen Walker and Mike Gaunt say: “We are very happy to have been able to play a small part in the completion of this bridge – which is a wonderful addition to the allotment, making it accessible for everyone. We are pleased to be here for its opening – and thank those who have been instrumental in its formation.”
Peter adds: “Several allotment holders have also helped – firstly with fundraising and then with construction. In particular, thanks must go to Geoff East and John Robertson, who organised the fundraising, and Darren Oates who built the handrails. It now feels really solid underfoot – as it is strong enough to carry a football team let alone the expected wheelchairs and wheelbarrows.”
The bridge certainly passed its first test today, with flying colours!
