Protest aims to save old bridge

Protestors claim the bridge gives the city character

Protestors have said moves to demolish an old railway bridge in Leicester would rob the city of a landmark.

De Montfort University wants to buy the land on Duns Lane from the city council to build a £6m sports complex.

But campaigners believe the Bowstring bridge, along with the nearby Pump and Tap pub, is an important part of the city's heritage.

The city council met behind closed doors to discuss the plans on Monday but the result is yet to be confirmed.

About 100 protestors gathered outside the town hall during the meeting to call for the bridge to be saved.

Public need

Miriam Holland started a 3,000-strong Facebook support group to defend the bridge.

She said: "I have lived in this part of the city for years and I really love this bridge. It gives the city character and the city needs character.

"Some people may say it looks a mess but that is just because it has been allowed to get into that state. If some money was invested in it, the appearance would improve.

"There are other options for a sports centre, they just see this as the easy option."

The city council has said it does not have the money to restore the redundant bridge and a new sports centre would benefit much of the city.

Leicester has not had a pool in its centre since St Margaret's closed more than 10 years ago.

If the sale is approved by the city council later, work could begin in early 2011.

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