A petition has been launched to try and persuade the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to repair a vital footbridge in Monmouth that has been closed for health and safety reasons.

The Grade II listed Inglis Bridge, which connects Osbaston to the Vauxhall Fields was shut off to pedestrians and cyclists last month following a structural assessment by an engineer from the MoD who own the bridge.

Osbaston County Councillor Jane Lucas has launched a community-wide petition urging the MoD to take immediate action in renovating and reopening the Mark II Inglis Bridge, one of only two in existence and the only one to still be in public use.

She said that apart from the timber, “it’s the footings that are getting washed away endangering the bridge as well, so work on that requires the trees around to be cut, which then in turn needs thinking about reference work timing because of birds / dormice / bats / fish etc.

“In terms of a temporary bridge, the MoD have asked their contractor to cost it out, however I believe that would cost as least 150k (they have to use their contractors, health & safety, environmental, etc), and to repair the bridge is likely to cost 350k plus, and that 150k would be a very large chunk, which would also then allow them not to mend the bridge in my opinion.”

It was constructed in 1931 by the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers, replacing an old footbridge and carries Footpath 131. Access has been limited to pedestrians since vehicle traffic was blocked in 2018.

Monmouthshire County Council have said they are working closely with the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for Wales (RFCA) “to find a solution to issues arising from the closure of Inglis Bridge in Monmouth on safety grounds.

“The bridge forms an important link for pedestrians and wheeled users within the Monmouth community.

“The council is aware of the importance of the route. Further information will be released in due course.”

An MCC notice adds that anyone contravening the notice of closure will be “committing an offence”.

Cllr Lucas added that its closure has left a significant gap, making safe, pedestrian travel between both sides of Monmouth impossible. “This has especially affected schoolchildren, many of whom now face longer journeys.”

She went on to say “Vauxhall’s Inglis Bridge is more than a crossing. It’s a part of our community’s daily life – from getting to school, dog walking to shopping and staying active. Restoring this bridge will improve residents’ well-being and help cut down unnecessary traffic in an already busy area.”

She was joined on a site visit by Peter Fox MS who added “This bridge isn’t just a piece of our history – it’s a lifeline for Monmouth. It’s essential we see it reopened to ease traffic, allow safer school routes, and promote active travel across the town.”

Cllr Lucas told the Beacon that the petition highlights the need for the Ministry of Defence to allocate funds and prioritise the project. “Restoring the bridge would not only preserve an important historic site but also encourage environmentally friendly travel, boost mental health, and relieve traffic congestion.”

Councillor Lucas has written to MP Catherine Fookes asking her to raise this issue with the relevant Government Minister on the floor of the House.

The petition is now live, and the local community is urged to show their support by signing it, helping to safeguard this essential infrastructure for Monmouth’s future.

For more information or to sign the petition, please contact [email protected] or visit https://chng.it/CNKKLZ7zVh

Cllr Lucas needs over 10,000 signature's to make the Government respond, Monmouth’s population is circa 11,000.