Calls for bridge connecting residents to Catford to be rebuilt

More than 700 people have signed a petition calling for the former overpass that connected Catford Green to Catford town centre to be replaced. 

Locals say that they have been forced to trek over 10 minutes to reach the centre of town after the bridge was ripped down. They say the route would take a few minutes if they could cross the railway lines closer to their homes. 

But other residents of the 589-home village say they believe rebuilding the walkway would attract nuisance from delivery drivers on mopeds using it as a shortcut.

Catford Green resident Fawaz Said, 63, said rebuilding the bridge would make his journey into the centre of Catford easier (Robert Firth)

In 2020, Lewisham Council shelved plans to rebuild the footbridge between Catford Green and Doggett Road and said it would instead spend the money on improving walking routes around Catford Bridge Station. 

But the decision has left some residents of Catford Green feeling cut off from the town centre and station.

Fawaz Said, 63, who has lived on the Catford Green development since it was finished, said rebuilding the bridge would make his trip into the town centre easier.

He said: “We live next to the centre of Catford but because of the railway tracks it’s a 10 minute walk. It doesn’t make sense. The bridge would save me the 10 minute walk going towards the station or going to Ladywell to cross at the bridge there. 

“It could be metal or wooden and it would save us lots of time. There were problems before because it would have to have disabled access but I’m sure they could make space for disabled people in the design.”

His neighbour, Jessica Matumika, 40, who has lived on Catford Green since her apartment block was finished in 2016, said the bridge would improve her quality of life. 

She said: “Of course they should rebuild it. I would love that. I don’t find the walk to the centre too difficult as I take it that I’m exercising, but it would save me time. 

“There was a time they were saying that the footbridge would be built but they never came round to tell us why it didn’t go ahead.” 

But another resident of Catford Green, who gave his name only as Corin, said he was worried the footbridge would bring antisocial behaviour to the area.

The 35-year-old operations and finance officer and his partner snapped up their flat in the development two years ago.

When they bought the lease from the previous owners, they got a condition added stating they wouldn’t have to pay costs towards the rebuilding of a footbridge in the area if the project went ahead.

Corin said: “I know that some people are annoyed that they were promised a bridge and it has not materialised but at the moment I have my own reasons for not wanting that bridge to be put in place. 

“I know it would become a through road to the other side of the railway tracks. People already drive through the park with their mopeds. If the bridge was to be opened up it’s going to turn into a through road for mopeds.”

A Lewisham Council spokesperson said: “Barratt Homes was initially required to provide a Section 106 contribution towards reinstating a footbridge.

"However, extensive design and costing studies found that it was not possible to deliver a footbridge that would be accessible for those with mobility issues.

“As the terms of the Section 106 agreement enabled these funds to be redirected towards other public realm improvements in the area, the Council has reallocated this money to deliver improvements to the area around Catford Station and Catford Bridge station which will benefit local residents.

"We have consulted with residents to develop these proposals and work will begin later this year.”

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