FROM your article on July 23, there appear to be differing opinions over the "historic footbridge" over the River Witham, by the University of Lincoln.

The headline refers to it as "one of the city's last remaining industrial icons".

Further into the story on page one, it is thought to have been used by warehouse men to cross the Witham to get to work. On page two, it is referred to as part of Lincoln's rich railway heritage. What is it to be? Let's be honest, it's a tatty, dilapidated footbridge that should be scrapped.

If you want to have something that represents something of this city's industrial past, why not have an old decommissioned lathe, milling machine or steam hammer cleaned and painted and displayed in one of the city's squares?

G. PEARCE Doddington Park, Lincoln.

I agree totally with the editor's comments (July 23).

This bridge has been unusable for many years prior to the university being responsible.

I would like to know why the previous owners were not forced to maintain the bridge if it was, as they now say, an important historical structure?

Are the planners only now threatening action because they feel the university is cash rich and an easy target?

REG TAYLOR Lincoln.

The university being built on what was railway property, the bridge was closed for access overnight and weekends.

Steam engines, however, needed service and attention 24/7.

They were concentrated around the engine shed and the footbridge provided access for necessary staff, drivers and firemen out of normal hours.

GEORGE HARRISON Western Avenue, Lincoln.