WORCESTER City Council first discussed the prospect of a footbridge over the Severn near the Grandstand at this time exactly a century ago.

Alas, the scheme was rejected at that time and, as we know with the benefit of hindsight, it took another 90 years before this invaluable river span became a reality.

Berrow's Journal fully reported the 1901 city council debate on the issue. "Alderman W.R Higgs moved the resolution 'That it would be most desirable for a footbridge to be erected over the River Severn near the Grandstand Inn and that the council's General Purposes Committee be instructed to obtain plans and estimates.'

"Ald. Higgs said he spoke on behalf of the whole of the inhabitants of Henwick, who were very much in favour of the scheme. Residents of Barbourne too would benefit considerably from a footbridge. He asserted that a place like Worcester ought not to be tied to one bridge. Shrewsbury had three river bridges and Hereford two.

"Such a footbridge as he suggested would cost the city something like £100 a year but if a toll of a penny was charged, the income would exceed the annual cost. He spoke of the difficulties of crossing by the ferry when the river was high and at night when it was dark. He did not think Mr Skyrme of the Grandstand and owner of the ferry would stand in the way of the footbridge scheme. It would increase the value of the Grandstand Inn and bring Mr Skyrme more custom.

"However, Ald Buck said he would have been happier had Ald Higgs brought forward a resolution to improve the present Worcester Bridge which was not sufficient for the vehicular and tram traffic it was now carrying. The proposed footbridge would not relieve that situation.

"Other council members felt that Ald Higgs was under-estimating the cost of the footbridge at £3,000, while some suggested it would be cheaper for the council to operate a free ferry over the river at the Dog and Duck Inn. Ald Higgs' resolution was defeated by a clear majority."