Angry protesters have launched an on-line campaign to force supermarket chiefs to pull down a 'monstrous' footbridge.
Residents have started a web petition in an attempt to force the removal of the new steel walkway, which was installed in the summer as part of the Sainsbury’s development.
The footbridge, which links the train station to the new superstore, has b
een designed to meet health and safety laws.
But residents believe it has ruined their view and the look of a quiet area of the town.
Isabella Stone, who is leading the campaign, said: “Since the bridge went up, I have been contacted by people saying how angry they are about it.
“There were a lot of people in Matlock who wonder how it appeared in the town.
“We just want the council and Sainsbury’s to realise the strength of feeling in the town.
“There are some of us who will just not forget about it.”
The group, called the Matlock Footbridge Campaign, will be collecting signatures and comments about the design and scale of the bridge to present to Derbyshire Dales District Council and Sainsbury’s.
Mrs Stone added: “The petition will allow residents and visitors to Matlock to register their anger that such a monstrosity has been built in an attractive and historic part of town.
“They will also be able to choose between a number of options as to what to do about the bridge, from keeping it where it is but re-designing it to scrapping it altogether and locating the railway crossing somewhere else.”
Christian Wakelin, property project manager at Sainsbury’s, said: “We appreciate the concerns of the local community and have listened to the issues raised regarding the footbridge.
“As a result, the District Council is currently finalising plans for the remedial action that can be taken to soften the appearance of the bridge.”
* To access the petition, visit www.matlockfootbridge.org.uk or go to the Imperial Rooms, on November 15, between 5.45pm and 6.45pm..
