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Marlow Bridge should be closed to traffic permanently to “preserve” it for future generations, says a south Bucks resident.

John Healy, once a regular visitor to Marlow, said he is “confused” as to why Bucks County Council is “spending a fortune” on rigorous tests to make it safe for traffic once again when it could be turned into a pedestrian bridge.

He said: “It might be a better idea to close the bridge to traffic permanently now.

“It could be turned into a pedestrian bridge with benches so you can see the river and enjoy the views. It would cost far less to achieve that because it wouldn’t need all the expensive remedial work.

“I think it would be a fantastic idea to have it open for walkers and cyclists who don’t put much weight on the bridge to try and preserve it for the future.”

The bridge, which has a three-tonne weight limit, has been closed for more than a month since a lorry from Lithuanian company, Girteka Logistics, broke through width restrictions on the Berkshire side and tried to cross into Marlow.

Mr Healy, who lives in Chesham, says the closure of the bridge has shown that traffic can still get around without crossing it.

He said: “I am confused as to why Bucks County Council is spending a fortune on tests to find out what is wrong with the bridge. It is money that the council cannot afford at the moment, I'm quite sure of that.

“Admittedly Girteka have said they will pay but if it can happen once, it can happen again. We need to save it for the future. Traffic doesn’t need to go over it, the closure of the bridge has proved that.

“My grandfather used to stay at the Compleat Angler for three to four weeks at a time and we used to walk across the bridge and even then it used to rattle with the weight of the traffic.

“Even then I thought it would be nice for it to be shut. Next time we might not be lucky – it could be damaged even further.”

Transport for Bucks have ruled out the possibility of closing the bridge permanently, saying they are considering new measures to prevent a similar incident happening again.

Dan Elworthy, TfB spokesman, said: “The Marlow Suspension Bridge is a landmark structure on both the Thames and the connection between Marlow and Bisham. We have received a number of comments about the negative effects of the bridge closure on local businesses.

“We will be looking into possible measures to reduce the likelihood of a similar incident occurring in the future.

“Overall we still consider it to be more beneficial to keep the bridge open to restricted traffic, once the repairs have been made.”

Should the bridge be closed to traffic permanently? Get in touch with your view - email Stephanie.wareham@london.newsquest.co.uk.