A PETITION calling for the reinstatement of a previously well-used bridge in a Dawlish park has reached more than 500 signatures.

It has been three years since the bridge at Manor Gardens was found to be structurally unsafe and two years since it was removed.

Despite pleas for it to be replaced, walkers and park users continue to be inconvenienced by having to find other places to cross the waterway which runs through the park.

The bridge has been described as an ‘integral part of the layout of the park’.

The petition was started by district and county councillor Rosie Dawson who says she will be taking it to Teignbridge Council in July.

After a tree fell causing damage to the bridge in 2023, it was discovered during an inspection that the wooden bridge had ‘come to the end of its life’.

Structural surveyors had discovered ‘significant’ safety concerns during the inspection due to the bearers underneath the bridge being found to be rotten.

It was initially closed off then later removed entirely.

Cllr Dawson’s petition at change.org says: ‘This isn’t a Public Right Of Way but given its historical use, we feel Teignbridge Council has a responsibility as such to maintain, protect and preserve it.

‘This bridge is used a lot by locals and is important.’

The bridge’s removal continues to anger locals who regularly use the popular park area.

Previously, Teignbridge Council said the bridge had come to the end of its lifespan and there had been confirmation it would be replaced with a metal structure.

However, the council had also said it was ‘reviewing the viability of replacement options’ as a metal bridge will be costly.

Cllr Dawson had said she was assured the bridge would be replaced.