IT LOOKS likely that a foot bridge at Petersfield station won’t re-open until well into the New Year.

Network Rail unexpectedly and suddenly closed the metal bridge in August, after an inspection found that wooden treads needed remedial work.

But it has remained closed, and pedestrians on thiee way into rtown have had to detour onto the station to use the underpass to cross the rail lines when the railway crossing is closed.

And now Network Rail says the earliest the work will be done is the end of January.

A spokesman said: “The repairs will take approximately five nights, and can only be done while trains are not running.

“The earliest time we can carry out repairs is the week of January 21, 2017.

“But there is always a risk that we will need to direct key resources to an urgent failure preventing the safe operation of the railway, which may mean this date could be moved.

“However, we will take any opportunity to bring forward the date for works in the meantime.

“We have been in contact with the local residents’ group since the structure was closed.

“And our representatives are due to meet a local councillor from East Hampshire District Council at the bridge on Friday, October 28, to discuss the repairs in detail.

“We will continue to keep all stakeholders updated.”

East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds has also been involved in talks aimed at getting the repairs done as quickly as possible.

He said: “I met with Network Rail and requested an up-date on their plans to repair the footbridge.

“And although we now have a schedule for the work, I will continue to press for this to be completed as soon as possible.”

In the meantime pedestrians on their way to and from town, can continue to use the station underpass when the level crossing is closed.