Little Roke footbridge had long been a challenging route for pedestrians, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times. Overgrown vegetation made it difficult to pass, while the absence of lighting turned this vital cut-through into a hazardous area, especially in the dark winter months.
Recognising these concerns, I approached both Croydon Council and Network Rail earlier this year to address the issues. The challenge stemmed from the bridge's shared responsibilities, rooted in a historic agreement.
Overgrown vegetation on north side of the bridge
Overgrown vegetation on south side of the bridge
A 1947 Agreement Comes to Light
I was provided with a copy of an old agreement dated 18th December 1947, between The Southern Railways Company and The Urban District Council of Coulsdon and Purley. This document outlined each party’s responsibilities for the upkeep of the bridge. Today, these responsibilities have passed to Network Rail and Croydon Council, and resolving the matter required cooperation between the two modern-day incumbents. See photos below.
Overcoming Challenges
One major issue was accessing the bridge's electrical supply points. The council couldn’t isolate the fittings because the feeder pillar, located on Network Rail land, was overgrown and difficult to access. Once this hurdle was overcome and the lights were repaired, the next step was clearing the vegetation which hung over the bridge. This not only improved the lighting levels but also made the bridge safer and more inviting for residents.
The council has secured further funds to upgrade the lighting, but this may take six months to complete due to the permission needed to access the land and the contractor to complete the works.
A Brighter Future for Little Roke Footbridge
The result is a clear and better-lit footpath, significantly improving accessibility and safety for all users. Whether it's parents on the school run, commuters, or local residents, everyone can now enjoy a safer and more practical route across the railway.
This successful collaboration between the council and Network Rail highlights what can be achieved when we work together to address community concerns.
