Following on from the sustained campaign, by Leytonstone Labour councillors and local residents, to improve the footbridge over the tube line/motorway Transport for London (TfL) senior officials have finally came to Leytonstone to have a look for themselves.

This bridge, which is the responsibility of Transport for London, is in terrible condition. You can check out our short film about the footbridge on youtube- 

Local councillors Clyde Loakes and Marie Pye along with a senior officer from Waltham Forest Council met Andy Best and Tony Ajala who hold senior positions within TfL. After spending some time looking at the bridge a robust meeting was held. TfL were very clear that they found a state of the bridge to be unacceptable but councillors did express disappointment that it had taken a massive campaign just to get them to come and have a look for themselves.

After some frank exchanges of views it was agreed that TfL would undertake some short-term measures to improve the bridge including monthly removal of graffiti and the commitment to remove offensive graffiti within 48 hours of this being reported. Offensive graffiti would include tagging related to gangs. They also agreed to get specialist advice in terms of replacing the perspex panels.

Councillors emphasised the need for a longer term solution and it was agreed that TfL would commission a feasibility study to look at different options for the footbridge. That they would arrange a meeting with themselves and local councillors, senior council officials and London Underground to discuss this study by the end of November. Overall it was agreed that by the end of March TfL would have some definite proposals, which they would have consulted local residents about, in relation to the future of the footbridge.

Both Clyde and Marie were really pleased at the outcome of the meeting. However, it is essential that residents continue to make TfL aware of their concerns. So if you haven't written to Peter Hendy yet then please do so and don't forget to copy us in.