Plans to build a public footway across East Croydon station have been delayed - again.

Since 2013, Croydon Council and Network Rail planned to invest more than £20 million into the development of an east-to-west footbridge, spanning the East Croydon station platforms.

The council gave £6 million to help design and build a project with the expectation that Menta Regeneration would take care of developing the eastern side of the project area.

However, the Menta development was not able to commence at the time, leading to several delays over the years.

A new planning consent and agreement was put in place in 2019, which has now been built.

Menta has invested £15 million to build a new connection linking a new step and lift to an existing bridge, along with creating new public spaces for the Addiscombe community.

This work is now finished.

However, the pedestrian part of the bridge hasn’t been properly maintained and needs repairs to meet safety standards.

A schedule is being created to outline when these repairs and improvements will be done.

This includes fixing the pedestrian area, completing the connection to Menta’s new link, and adding necessary features like CCTV and lighting to ensure safety.

All parties involved will keep the public and partners informed with updates and timelines for the work.

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor for Croydon, said: “I share residents’ concerns that the East Croydon footbridge needs to be completed and that the vital pedestrian route connecting east to west needs to be open as soon as possible.

“This project ran into complications which delayed its completion, but I am determined to work with our partners, Network Rail and Menta to get the job done.”