Residents have launched a petition calling on Network Rail to guarantee the future of the railway footbridge at Oxhey Grange.
Earlier this week, we shared the news that the footbridge between Oxhey Grange and The Pathway/Anthony Close had been scheduled for demolition due to safety concerns, and work began on Monday 24 August 2026.
The bridge is an important connection for our community, many of whom use it on a daily basis for both commuting, travelling to school, and for recreational purposes. A crossing has been in place since 1899 at the very least, but is likely to be almost as old as the West Coast Main Line itself.
On Monday, residents organised a protest on the Oxhey Hall side of the bridge, calling on Network Rail to confirm if, and when, the bridge would be replaced. Their concerns were covered by the Watford Observer, as well as the BBC – the latter of which included comments from Watford’s mayor Peter Taylor.
Anyone who shares our concerns can sign a petition, launched by affected residents, which urges Network Rail to recognise the importance of the footbridge and commit to its replacement.
Network Rail have stated that they are “developing the methodology for [the bridge’s] replacement” but we are yet to see what the proposals would look like in practice. Oxhey Village Environment Group has asked Network Rail to explain its plans in more detail.
We have written to local MPs, Matt Turmaine and Gagan Mohindra, seeking their cross-party support on the issue, and asking for the opportunity to meet. We have also been in contact with Oxhey ward councillors who have committing to keeping us updated.
We will keep OVEG members informed, as and when we hear more.
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