Footbridge over railway line dismantled – no replacement

Reeds bridge was installed under a private agreement between Network Rail and the owner of Colthrop Mill, and was used by workers to access the site.
The bridge remained in place after the agreement expired and the mill closed down.
However, it has been removed permanently because of the electrification of the Great Western line.
A Network Rail spokeswoman Anne-Marie Batson said: “Removing the footbridge will provide the space needed for the overhead wires to power the new electric trains.
“We have engaged with local businesses, carrying out a letter drop in the industrial estate in the immediate area of the planned work. Closure and removal posters have been displayed for the past two weeks at the bridge.
"Pedestrians are advised to use Colthrop level crossing, adjacent to the old bridge, to cross the railway.”
Thatcham Town Council said it had been contacted by one resident who was concerned that people would attempt to cross the line on foot where the bridge used to exist.