In order to keep passengers and train drivers safe, Beverley stations 130-year-old Grade II footbridge will be closing to be refurbished next year.

The footbridge has a rotting canopy and antisocial behaviour, so Network Rail is closing the bridge to begin removing dangerous parts.

The bridge will close on Friday 9th September until further notice to stop any of the canopy falling onto the tracks.

Staff have been completing daily maintenance checks to ensure the safety of the area but in unsustainable time usage for the future.

This upgrade follows East Riding Councils approved plans to remove the bridge’s old canopy. Across the next year, Network Rail will be fully refurbishing the iron structure as well as renewing the canopy.

Closing the footbridge was the only viable option to keep people safe while repairing the bridge, as they want to keep the heritage as much as possible while keeping people safe.

The 1880s structure had its canopy installed after the initial installation and the plans have been given the go ahead by Historic England, with some original features to be given to the National Railway Museum.

Access to the two platforms at the station will be maintained at the level crossing and should ask staff for assistance if required.

Matt Rice, North & East Route Director for Network Rail said: “I know how important this footbridge is to the heritage of Beverley station and how well-loved it is by passengers. That’s why we want to see it eventually refurbished and, crucially, made safe for people to use and trains to pass beneath.

“Closing the footbridge as soon as we can is the safest option, and it needs to happen. I’m sorry to anybody who is upset or inconvenienced by our decision. I’d like to thank East Riding Council, Historic England and our rail industry partners for their continued support.”

Tony Baxter, Regional Director for Northern, said: “The safety of our passengers and staff is our number one priority, so we support the closure of the footbridge at this time. Of course, as a local landmark we look forward to its restoration and re-opening whereby it will continue to serve the rail users of Beverley for many more decades to come.”