The original waterfront masterplan didn't include a footbridge, but after a forum of 80 people got together it was decided a bridge would be a good idea.

The original plan was for a series of four bridges linking the whole waterfront site together. This was decided to be too costly - estimated to run into tens of millions of pounds.

In response to public opinion, WEB launched a design competition to find the best potential design for a single bridge linking the waterfront with the main town area.

70 design agencies put forward designs. This was brought down to six finalists - including companies that had worked on the Channel Tunnel, the millenium bridge in Newcastle and the Poole Harbour Bridge.

The public are being asked to express their opinion on which of the finalised bridges should be used, and we would love to hear what you think.

E-mail us with your thoughts and feelings on the proposed waterfront footbridge and we will do our best to post them here on the site.