Great Western Coffee Shop

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Rail bosses have moved to reassure people over their plans for a historic footbridge in a Cheshire town.

An online petition had launched by residents in Nantwich in a bid to preserve the railway bridge on Wellington Road. The petition describes it as a "symbolic part of Nantwich's heritage" and calls for it to be preserved.

Network Rail have now confirmed it was their intention to focus on repairing and renovating the bridge rather than replacing it. "We appreciate the fondness for, and aesthetic importance of, the bridge at Nantwich," they said. "The bridge features in our future plans for delivery in 2027/28, but specific dates are yet to be confirmed."

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The petition said any proposal to replace the bridge would risk erasing "a significant part of our town's history" as well as its sentimental value. "We wish to highlight, that similar historic structures, when well-maintained can continue to serve their primary functions," it added.

They said the town was renowned for its beautiful and historically significant architecture, and urged people to "ensure preservation of our past while we move into the future".