I refer to the article ‘Bridge of Sighs’ (Echo, June 2) regarding the proposed new bridge in Newstead Road.

As residents of Newstead Road, my wife and I have been looking forward to the new bridge making a great deal of difference to everyone’s access to the Rodwell Trail.

We went to look at the proposed design when it was on display in Knightsdale Road ages ago, and thought it was a little over the top, design-wise, but were looking forward to the day it arrived.

We are still waiting for that day, in spite of several dates for the commencement.

Now all is revealed about the delay in Thursday’s Echo, due to the spiralling cost.

We quite agree with cabinet member Spencer Flower when he says ‘do we need this degree of flair?’.

If we hadn’t got the Olympics coming up, I am sure the bridge would be finished by now.

Why does everything now have to be a statement, or a flagship for Weymouth?

Anyone arriving for the Olympics will not be rushing down to Newstead Road to look at a bridge.

While we appreciate the sterling work put in by those involved in the design, who have obviously put a lot of thought into it, we wonder why they were asked to do this in the first place.

At a time when we are all trying to cut back on our finances, why start by making a much needed bridge more expensive than it need be right from the beginning? Just build us a basic bridge and get on with it.

And now, at this stage, you will be upsetting everyone involved in the over-the-top design when they have been looking forward to see their efforts come to life.

Yet another disastrous idea by the council following on the heels of the traffic package.

Brian Hutchings, Newstead Road, Weymouth