Warning on dangerous bridge

TCDC taking steps to remove Grahams Creek bridge in Tairua

A Tairua walkway bridge is posing a danger to the public and Thames-Coromandel District Council is taking steps to remove it.

The footbridge that was erected across Graham’s Creek in Ocean Beach Rd Tairua by the CL Fawcett Family Trust in January this year has been found to be dangerous following investigation.

TCDC Building control manager Peter Thomas says the bridge is not certified for public use and has not been built in accordance with consented plans.

Last month the council and the Trust reached an agreement that the bridge should be removed. The trust has since applied to the Hamilton District Court to put a stay on its demolition.

Mr Thomas says that the bridge in its present form should be removed and the council is pressing ahead with court action. In the meantime, Mr Thomas is urging the public to keep off the bridge.

“As things are, we cannot allow public use of the bridge. It is not safe or fit for the purposes for which it was intended.”