A vital footbridge forming part of the Gustav Holst Way has been closed for ten years, sparking criticism that Cheltenham Borough Council is ignoring the issue. The Pilley Footbridge in Charlton Kings has remained shut since 2015 due to safety concerns, disrupting an important public right of way and forcing residents to take lengthy detours.
Though Gloucestershire County Council manages public footpaths and highways, ownership of the Pilley Footbridge was handed over to Cheltenham Corporation, the predecessor of Cheltenham Borough Council, in 1971. This division of responsibility has contributed to delays in resolving the bridge’s status.
Local residents emphasize the footbridge’s significance: it provides access to the Sandy Lane play area and is a critical link along the Gustav Holst Way—a scenic route connecting sites associated with the renowned Cheltenham-born composer Gustav Holst. The bridge’s closure disrupts this renowned cultural trail.
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The Pilley Footbridge Action Group, representing what they call the “silent majority,” is calling for urgent action. Co-ordinator John Kadwell highlights the community’s longstanding commitment to preserving Cheltenham’s historic footpaths. He criticizes the council for ignoring the problem for more than a decade, likening their approach to “an ostrich with its head buried in the sand.”
According to Kadwell, two structural engineer reports over the years have outlined expensive options to repair or remove the bridge. His group suggests a more cost-effective solution could be creating an up-and-down footpath, preserving the existing structure while addressing safety. Without intervention, the bridge remains a potential hazard and eyesore.
Joe Harris, Gloucestershire County Council’s cabinet member for highways, acknowledges residents’ concerns and clarifies that while the county manages many rights of way and footbridges, Pilley Footbridge is owned by Cheltenham Borough Council. Harris expresses willingness to collaborate with the borough council to find repair or alternative solutions. A meeting with local councillor Iain Dobie has been proposed to explore options that restore access while protecting the natural environment of the Pilley Bridge Nature Reserve.
Chas Townley from the Open Spaces Society, an advocacy group for public rights of way, urges Cheltenham Borough Council to accept responsibility and take decisive action.
Cheltenham Borough Council has confirmed that technical discussions are ongoing with Gloucestershire County Council and local community representatives. Access has recently been granted to assess the bridge, indicating progress toward finding a resolution.
With a decade passing since its closure, local campaigners remain determined to see the Pilley Footbridge reopened, restoring an essential link for Charlton Kings residents and safeguarding a route deeply connected to Cheltenham’s cultural heritage.