Bristol City Council faces backlash as the cost of a new footpath reaches £10 million, far exceeding initial estimates and raising concerns about public spending.
Many Bristol Live readers are upset. They feel the costs for the 400-meter walkway have ballooned to around £9.7 million, way over the original budget. The Liberal Democrats are criticizing this as a huge waste of public money, especially during the time of former Labour mayor Marvin Rees.
In response, Labour is urging the Liberal Democrats to focus on the overall spending related to the Temple Quarter regeneration project. While some work has started, the footpath’s completion is still a long way off. The council is responsible for building it, as part of the deal for selling the university campus site.
Labour has praised the regeneration efforts around the station, which will include thousands of new homes. This project was approved under the previous mayor. A landslip along the riverbank has been blamed for the unexpected rise in costs.
Some commenters are voicing their concerns. One person worries about safety for students and cyclists using the path at night. They question how the walkway will be maintained and funded. Another commenter points out that the university seems to avoid responsibility for the walkway costs, which they believe should be covered by the university.
Others express frustration about the state of Bristol, mentioning the many new student housing developments. They feel the city has been let down by the current plans. Some believe the footpath is just another example of poor management by the council.
What do you think about the new footpath? Is it worth the money? Share your thoughts in the comments!
