John Baron MP and Stephen Metcalfe MP – Varde Bullers Bridge

Varde Bullers Bridge

John Baron, MP for Basildon & Billericay and Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, have been in contact with Network Rail about the repairs being made to Varde Bullers footbridge in Laindon.

Work is already underway on the Varde Bullers bridge and will continue until mid-July. The bridge was originally closed in October 2020 as it was unsafe for pedestrians.

Network Rail met in Parliament with John Baron MP, Stephen Metcalfe MP and Cllr Kevin Wingfield, to discuss the repairs to the bridge.

J Murphy & Sons started repairs on Monday 23 May. The work can only take place when there are no trains running, which will include at night and weekends. They have made assurances that every effort will be made to ensure there is minimal noise disruption and that the safety of the public is of the utmost importance.

If you have any questions or concerns, there is a 24-Hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk/contactus.

John Baron said: “I am pleased to see that progress is now finally being made towards reopening the footbridge which has been closed for far too long, to the detriment of our constituents. Network Rail, Stephen, Kevin and I will be keeping in close contact to ensure the bridge reopens as soon as possible”.

Stephen Metcalfe said: “The Varde Bullers bridge has been closed for too long and it is only right that Network Rail has offered an apology for the delay to repairs. However, they have been excellent at working with all stakeholders involved and ensuring that they communicate the issue locally – hopefully there will be no further delays and we can get the bridge open as soon as possible”.