Sir Bobby tribute still a bridge too far

AN Ipswich bridge named after Blues legend Sir Bobby Robson is today still not in use - despite developers originally hoping the man himself would open it.

The bridge, which crosses the River Orwell from Ranelagh Road to West End Road, has appeared complete since the beginning of the year.

There were hopes it would be officially opened in March by Sir Bobby.

However, work has continued to drag on and although the bridge has become a landmark, frustrated residents from the new Fairview development have been prevented from crossing it to take the shortcut into town.

The final stages of a safety audit were being completed in June and residents were told the bridge would open within eight weeks but they are still waiting.

Then in July, Sir Bobby died, ending any hopes the Town legend would return to Ipswich once more to witness a landmark being officially unveiled in his honour.

Evening Star readers chose to name the bridge after one the former Blues manager.

Town fan Phil Ham said it was disappointing that Sir Bobby did not get to see it open before he passed away.

He said: “The bridge is one of the very many tributes to Sir Bobby in the town.

“Obviously it is disappointing that a tribute to Sir Bobby was not functional in his lifetime.

“He has long been held in great esteem by the people of Ipswich and Suffolk as things like naming this bridge after him show.”

It seems as though some cannot wait for the bridge to open with people being spotted crossing the bridge, ignoring the wire fences erected at either end.

A Suffolk County Council spokeswoman said: “Until the bridge is opened, people should not use it.

“The bridge was inspected two weeks ago and there are just a couple more issues to resolve before it can open. There are just some minor corrections to be carried out. It will be re-inspected next week and then we will know when we can open it.”

It has been suggested that the bridge could be opened before the Blues' home game against Newcastle United on September 26.

Fairview was unavailable for comment.

What do you make of the saga? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.