Residents fear for safety as ‘rotten’ timber planks fall from unused bridge

A recent incident that saw wooden beams fall from a disused rail bridge has left South Croydon residents fearing for their safety.

The bridge passing over Croham Road hasn’t been used since it was decommissioned in 1983 but poses a threat as its rotting wooden supports fall onto the busy road below.

While residents say this is a long-running issue, a recent incident of falling woodwork sparked renewed fears for the bridge’s safety.

Resident Gemma Brucker was at the scene when timbers fell on Tuesday afternoon.

She said: “When walking the children home from school we were stopped and redirected by police at the disused railway bridge on Croham Road in between Normanton Road and Dornton Road. They said wood was falling from the bridge and that we should cross over and use the other side to pass.”

While the bridge’s owners, Network Rail, have carried out maintenance, Croham Road residents remain concerned and have suggested the bridge would be safer if completely removed or repurposed.

The bridge is in a highly residential area, with the busy Kinderland Day Nursery just a few hundred yards down the road. While no one has yet been injured by falling debris, the possibility is still a concern for residents. Trespassing is another concern from residents that plagues the bridge.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “Following reports of damage on Tuesday to the disused railway bridge on Croham Road in South Croydon, on Wednesday our engineers completed the necessary repairs and replaced a number of rotten timbers on the old bridge deck. We would like to thank the member of public who notified us of this and local residents for their patience while we completed these repairs.

“We have been made aware of reported incidents of trespass on this old disused railway line and have notified the local police. Trespassing on the railway is illegal and is extremely dangerous and we encourage anyone who witnesses people trespassing to report it immediately.”

Pictured top: Residents say timber has been falling from the bridge for the last 6-7 years (Picture: Harrison Galliven)