Campaigners are continuing their fight to save an ageing Tyneside footbridge from demolition.
The Borough Road bridge, which links Tennyson Terrace and Waldo Street, has dominated the North Shields skyline for more than 80 years.
According to North Tyneside Council, the structure is in a poor state of repair. It says use of the crossing has declined over time and the steel structure is nearing the end of its life.
The authority has also previously said the estimated cost to demolish it is around £63,000, compared to estimated repair costs of around £290,000 and replacement costs of around £653,000.
Plans were then put together to permanently remove the bridge.
However, a campaign was started by the North Tyneside Public Transport Users Group, calling on the council to keep the bridge and renovate it. Around 2,500 people have signed a petition, and another demonstration was held in the area on Saturday.
Vicki Gilbert, spokesperson for the Save Our Bridge campaign, says the authority's £63,000 demolition cost is a "big under estimate of true costs" and claims it could take a lot more money to carry out the job.
She added: "The footbridge is about 80 years old, with a stated 'design life' of 120 years. So it is only two-thirds through its design life.
"Saying it is 'nearing the end of its life' is like telling a person - who can expect to live until they are 90 - they are nearing the end of their life at the age of 60.
"It is true that the cost of a completely new bridge would be a lot higher. But why go to that expense when the one we have has at least 40 years good service left?"
The council says there are plans to replace the bridge with a crossing point at ground level.
Phil Scott, head of environment, housing and leisure, said: "The Borough Road footbridge, which links Tennyson Terrace to Waldo Street, is in a poor state, isn’t heavily used and would be extremely costly to repair or replace.
"We recognise that there have been objections to our proposals to demolish the footbridge. However as a result of the levels of ongoing investment the bridge would require along with the decline in its use, we believe the best course of action is to remove it.
"Our discussions with Historic England have concluded and the bridge remains unlisted. Our intention is to take forward the planning application for demolition this summer.
