A Conservative-led council has come under intense criticism for spending £16 million on a footbridge that residents have branded a “shiny white elephant.” The Kepax Bridge in Worcester, intended to improve pedestrian and cycling access across the River Severn, has instead sparked outrage due to its impractical design and location.
Locals have slammed the bridge as a “bridge to nowhere,” with some saying it leads into muddy, inaccessible landrather than connecting communities effectively. As criticism mounts, questions are being raised about wasteful public spending, poor planning, and the decision-making of local Tory officials.
In this article, we’ll break down the controversy, examine why residents are frustrated, and explore the potential fallout for the Conservative-led council behind this costly project.
What is the Kepax Bridge?
The Kepax Bridge was proposed as a key cycling and walking route in Worcester. The goal was to:
- Reduce road congestion by encouraging cycling and walking.
- Provide a safer and more direct route for pedestrians.
- Promote sustainability and eco-friendly transport options.
With a £16 million price tag, the bridge was supposed to be a landmark project for the local council. However, since its opening in December 2024, it has faced severe backlash from the very people it was meant to serve.
Why Are Residents Calling It a ‘White Elephant’?
A “white elephant” refers to an expensive project that serves little or no practical purpose. In the case of Kepax Bridge, Worcester residents say the bridge is:
- Poorly planned: The western approach leads to muddy, inaccessible land instead of proper roads or paths.
- Not functional: Heavy flooding in the area makes the bridge nearly impossible to use during bad weather.
- A waste of money: Residents believe the funds could have been better spent on essential infrastructure or community services.
A Bridge to Nowhere?
Critics argue that instead of connecting communities, the Kepax Bridge simply dumps people into an area with no proper walkways or roads. Locals have described the bridge’s endpoint as a “swamp,” where pedestrians risk getting stuck in the mud.
What Residents Are Saying
Worcester residents have expressed disbelief and frustration:
- Tony Westcott, 77, said: “It’s a bridge to nowhere. The council wasted £16 million on something that doesn’t serve any real purpose.”
- Andy Dainty, 73, added: “It’s dangerous! The paths are unfinished, and young children could get stuck in the mud.”
- Local cyclists are also upset, saying the bridge was meant for them but is practically unusable in bad weather.
Council’s Response to the Backlash
The Conservative-led Worcestershire County Council has defended the project, claiming the bridge will be useful in the long run. A council spokesperson responded to the criticism by saying:
“The path leading to Ferry Bank is prone to flooding in winter, but it typically dries up in spring. While it is used by walkers, it is not a designated public right of way.”
This response has not satisfied residents, who argue that spending £16 million on a bridge without proper accessibility planning is inexcusable.
Where Did the £16 Million Go?
One of the biggest concerns from taxpayers is why the project cost so much if it was not properly planned. Here’s a breakdown of some of the estimated costs:
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Bridge Construction | £10M |
| Land Preparation | £3M |
| Planning & Consultants | £2M |
| Miscellaneous Costs | £1M |
| Total Cost | £16M |
While public infrastructure projects are expensive, many believe the Kepax Bridge represents a waste of taxpayer money due to its poor location and accessibility issues.
Has This Happened Before? Similar ‘White Elephant’ Projects in the UK
The Kepax Bridge debacle is not the first time a UK council has been criticized for spending large amounts of taxpayer money on a seemingly useless project. Here are some similar cases:
- Garden Bridge (London) – £53M
- A proposed pedestrian bridge over the Thames that never got built, wasting millions in taxpayer money.
- Pontefract ‘Bridge to Nowhere’ – £3M
- A footbridge in West Yorkshire that didn’t connect to anything for years, leaving residents baffled.
- Hull’s ‘Closed Cycle Lane’ – £2.5M
- A cycle lane was built but remained blocked off for months due to poor planning.
How Will This Affect the Conservative Council?
The Kepax Bridge scandal could damage public trust in the Conservative-led Worcestershire County Council, especially with:
- Upcoming local elections where angry voters may punish Tory candidates.
- Increased scrutiny over spending on infrastructure projects.
- Potential investigations into the decision-making process behind the project.
Some opposition politicians are already calling for accountability, demanding answers on why the project was so costlyand why no better route was chosen.
Can the Situation Be Fixed? Possible Solutions
While the Kepax Bridge is now built, residents and campaigners are pushing for improvements to make it actually usable.
Potential Fixes Include:
✔️ Improving the muddy paths so they are safe for pedestrians.
✔️ Building a proper road connection at the western side of the bridge.
✔️ Adding better drainage to prevent flooding issues.
However, these changes could cost millions more, leading to more frustration from taxpayers who already feel they’ve been forced to pay for an unnecessary bridge.
Conclusion: A Costly Mistake That Could Have Been Avoided
The £16 million Kepax Bridge was supposed to be a symbol of progress—but instead, it has become a laughingstockand a source of public anger.
While the Conservative council defends the project, residents continue to demand answers about why so much money was spent on a bridge that leads nowhere.
With local elections approaching, the backlash from this project could have serious political consequences for Tory officials in Worcester. As frustrated locals call for accountability and solutions, this controversy serves as a lesson in the importance of proper urban planning and responsible public spending.
FAQs
1. Why was the Kepax Bridge built?
The bridge was meant to improve pedestrian and cycling routes across the River Severn, reducing road congestion and promoting eco-friendly transport.
2. Why are people calling it a ‘white elephant’?
The bridge leads to a muddy, unusable area, making it impractical for pedestrians and cyclists.
3. How much did the bridge cost?
The project cost £16 million, funded by taxpayers.
4. How has the council responded to criticism?
The Tory-led council has defended the project, stating that the path should dry out in warmer months, but residents are not convinced.
5. What could be done to fix the issue?
Potential solutions include building proper access roads, improving drainage, and reinforcing paths—but these fixes would require even more public funding.
