Controversial Transport for London (TfL) plans to remove at footbridge at St Margarets roundabout have been scrapped.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

The proposal to ditch the bridge, which goes over the A316 Chertsey Road, was met with outrage from safety campaigners when announced in June last year.

But Twickenham MP Vince Cable has confirmed the bridge has been given a stay of execution after he met with TfL managing director Leon Daniels on Monday, January 12.

He said: "We have had a big victory here - they have agreed to keep the bridge and install a crossing as well. They are also going to put in a bit of money to bring it up to standards.

"In a few years time they will have a look at how regularly it is being used and go from there.

"As I said, this is a big victory of all of the people who campaigned for this - me and the local councillors can all feel very pleased with the outcome."

The original plans involved removing the bridge entirely and installing a new toucan crossing - but now the crossing will operate alongside the bridge.

While TfL claimed the new system would have improved road use for cyclists, opponents raised safety concerns.

Safety campaigner Julia Farish, a 41-year-old mother from St Margarets, said TfL's u-turn was "good news" but she remains unconvinced of the bridge's long-term future.

She said: "Our worry is that it still might come down so it is good news in the short-term but we want to make sure that it stays for good.

"The main thing is that it never gets taken down and safety isn't compromised, otherwise there will be a fatality, no doubt about it."

Families and children use the footbridge on the school run, with St Stephen's Primary, Orleans Primary and Orleans Park School all within close proximity.

Campaigner Caroline Bond said: "We are happy they are keeping the bridge but by putting in a toucan crossing, they are making the bridge redundant.

"I think it is part of the strategy to get rid of the bridge."

Councillor Alexander Ehamnn said: "Vince Cable and your local councillors will do all we can to ensure this TfL u-turn isn't a temporary stay of execution, but two more years means that countless young people will have access to a safe road crossing on their way to and from school."