Whitchurch resident concerned over Jerusalem arch repair

Mike Kean, former chairman and mayor of Whitchurch Town Council, lives near Jerusalem Arch, which stretches over the footpath between Kings Walk and Chatter Lane.

The bridge is currently temporarily closed for repairs until October 2025, and Mike is concerned that the council has committed to spending money to repair a bridge that is hardly used, and that the money could be spent better on Whitchurch.

He said: “I don’t think it’s that important, so few people use it, it's not like the whole town is up in arms about it.

 “There may be local support for the bridge but I bet people will say ‘couldn’t they spend this money better elsewhere?’”

Mike under the bridge (Image: Jan Kean) Mike explained that he lives near the bridge and can see it from his Ring doorbell, and he sits and counts the number of people who use it every day, who are mostly dog walkers and school children.

He said: “Is it good value for money when just half a dozen dog walkers use it every day?

The Gazette reached out to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and discovered that, to date, the cost of the work has totalled £32,479.

The council also detailed that they are exploring options to understand the most cost-effective solution.

Mike on top of the arch (Image: Jan Kean) Mike and his wife, Jan, are particularly concerned about the temporary fencing that has been put up around the arch while it is being repaired.

He said: “It’s a right shambles from start to finish.

“The barriers are not fit for purpose, kids get in the fencing and it's dangerous. Dog walkers still go through and push the fence aside.”

In January of this year, Basingstoke and Deane Council intended to demolish the bridge, but following concerns by residents and Councillor Chloe Ashfield, it was decided by the council that invasive exploration and structural analysis of the bridge was needed.

A council spokesperson said: “We recognise the history of Jerusalem Arch and have heard firsthand how important this asset is for the local community. Our key priority is to protect anyone who may be using this bridge and the footpath underneath it.

“Following an initial structural survey, temporary measures were put in place to make the arch safe, including the installation of protective fencing, to allow further detailed surveys to be undertaken to understand the condition of the structure.

“We are assessing the results of this detailed survey to consider cost-effective options for the arch, carefully balancing the heritage of the arch alongside the need to keep the public safe. We will continue to work with the community as we consider the most appropriate way forward.”