PROPOSALS to replace Swanage's Northbrook Road pedestrian bridge, which is currently closed on safety grounds, have been backed by councillors.

The footbridge, which was acquired by Purbeck District Council in 2009, was deemed a 'dangerous structure' earlier this year and immediately cordoned off.

While one option open to district councillors was to have the structure removed, Swanage Town Council has expressed a wish to have the footbridge replaced - as prior to its closure it was regularly used by local residents.

The town council also says that since the bridge was cordoned off, a new path has sprung up through the adjoining cemetery, which has led to some dog fouling.

PDC policy group members have recommended replacement of the bridge, which has a price tag in the region of £24,300. A report to council will now be officially submitted.

With commitments from the town council and Environment Agency, totalling £16,000, the district is being asked to set aside the remaining £8,300.

A report to district councillors from environmental design manager Richard Wilson explained: "The pedestrian bridge has been used for many years as a short cut from the town centre to King George's Field, via Court Hill and Northbrook Road, and is popular with dog walkers.

"The route which follows the southern edge of Swanage cemetery and King George's Field is not a definitive right of way and for legal reasons it is understood that a right of way has not been created by historic use."

The town council has already agreed to fund up to £8,000 and cover 50 per cent of the costs of all future maintenance.

Mr Wilson explained: "An added issue is that the failed bridge supports a power cable which operates upstream Environment Agency sluices and downstream monitoring equipment.

"The Environment Agency would like to see a bridge in this location principally so that this cable can be retained."