There are four separate reports on FixMyStreet relating to the deteriorating surface of the footbridge over the River Ock, which links the Ock Valley Walk to the rear entrance of Tower Close. Taken together, they point to a structure that has been unsafe for at least six months.
Reports dating back to August 2025 describe exposed boards, widening gaps and broken sections of decking on what is not only a footbridge but also part of a cycle route. By December, one walker reported their foot going through the bridge deck, noting that holes ‘regularly appear’ and describing the bridge as being in a ‘dire condition’. A further report later that month warned of a 20 cm square hole in the centre of the bridge, with the surrounding surface bouncing freely, suggesting that there was little or no support beneath. The repeated use of heavy-duty plastic coverings appears to have been a temporary measure, masking rather than resolving the underlying deterioration.
When I went over the bridge today, there was again an exposed hole in the deck, clearly visible, A foot could easily slip through the surface.
Yesterday, a concerned parent told me that this bridge is used by numerous schoolchildren every school day and asked me to put it on the blog. He said concerns have apparently been raised directly with district councillors but there has been no effective response. The bridge is the responsibility of Vale of White Horse District Council (VWHDC).
Spot on – I walk down here most days and it’s increasingly perilous – feels like there is more ‘temporary patch’ than actual bridge at times
It’s more of a priority to add more parking restrictions on St Helens Wharf.
Dirty….nasty cars.
A lazy connection to make as I’m sure you are aware. This bridge is responsibility of the District council and highway matters are the responsibility of the County Council.
A more important point is to compare the two halves of the Oak Valley walk. The bridge and the footpath which are the responsibility of Town Council are much better maintained than that of the District council. So the learning point is that these facilities are much better run by the local Town Council.
But let that not stop you making lazy populist points about parking restrictions being prioritised over basic maintenance. I suspect these sorts of views will be the ones that will dictate our next general election!
Daniel – A lazy connection to make as I’m sure you are aware. This bridge is responsibility of the District council and highway matters are the responsibility of the County Council.
A more important point is to compare the two halves of the Oak Valley walk. The bridge and the footpath which are the responsibility of Town Council are much better maintained than that of the District council. So the learning point is that these facilities are much better run by the local Town Council.
But let that not stop you making lazy populist points about parking restrictions being prioritised over basic maintenance. I suspect these sorts of views will be the ones that will dictate our next general election!
Lots of the local councillors read this site so maybe one could give us an update as the vale council’s team is clearly aware given they have sent people round to put the various previous patches in place