A Cornish town cut off for 22 minutes every hour when trains come through is set to receive a new footbridge for the first time in 50 years. Residents in Lostwithiel have been campaigning for a footbridge to be erected over the railway line cutting their town in half for five decades.

The situation has meant that pedestrians have had to use the level crossing on Grenville Road, where barriers can be lowered for long periods of time. In January it was revealed that a promised footbridge had to be put on hold after Network Rail admitted the agreed £1.845m design from its contractor was flawed.

Now Network Rail has confirmed that work on a temporary footbridge will start this month. The company said the new feature will help to improve access and safety and will bring benefits to the community as quickly as possible while plans for a permanent bridge are progressed.

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Network Rail said the new bridge will allow passengers to freely and safely cross the railway and access platforms one and two. Network Rail industry programme director Bogdan Lupu said: "We’ve been working hard for a long time to bring a railway bridge back to Lostwithiel and we’re very pleased to get work under way.

“Not only will the temporary bridge improve access but it will make crossing the railway much safer for everyone and prevent the level crossing from being misused."

The old footbridge at Lostwithiel was removed in the late 1960s and the only other railway crossing in the town is the A390 Liddicoat Road, north of the station.

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Anna Gelderd, the Labour MP for South East Cornwall, said: "I am very pleased to see progress on an issue I know is of great importance to the residents of Lostwithiel. The installation of a temporary footbridge is a welcome interim measure that will once again open up the centre of the town, making day-to-day life much easier for many local people.

"I wish to thank Network Rail for their early dialogue with me on this issue. Following many discussions with local residents, I’m clear that a public right of way is essential, particularly with increased services on this line.

"I will remain in close contact with Network Rail and local councillors to ensure we have a permanent, safe solution which works for the local community in Lostwithiel."

GWR station manager for Plymouth and East Cornwall Lee Goodson said: “We know how important the footbridge is for our customers, and for everyone who lives and works in Lostwithiel.

“It is great to see that Network Rail has started work to install a temporary solution for this summer, while they develop plans for the long term.”

Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport Connor Donnithorne added: "Providing this connection is important for the local community and we’re pleased to be able to support their wishes in helping to fund the return of the bridge.

"This is a great example of our partnership with Network Rail and GWR and commitment to improving railway infrastructure for passengers and our communities."

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