Tomorrow, Tuesday 31 December, is the last day to sign a petition asking Kingston Council to build a footbridge from Surbiton to Bushy Park.

The petition, created by Sanjeev Basi, currently has 838 signatures.

It states: "A footbridge from Surbiton to Bushy Park, with improved connectivity to Hampton Court, would bring significant commercial, social, and environmental benefits while addressing the inconvenience of current routes:

1. Enhanced Connectivity: Currently, Surbiton residents face long and inconvenient routes to access Bushy Park and Hampton Court. The existing paths require navigating busy roads or detouring via Kingston or Hampton Wick. A footbridge would provide a direct, safe route for pedestrians and cyclists, cutting travel times and encouraging more frequent visits to both Bushy Park and Hampton Court Palace, two of the area's main attractions. This would create a continuous green corridor for leisure and commuting.

2. Boost to Local Economy: The lack of a direct route reduces foot traffic between Surbiton, Bushy Park, and Hampton Court, limiting the potential for local businesses to benefit from visitors. A footbridge would connect these key areas, bringing more park visitors and tourists into Surbiton's cafes, restaurants, and shops. It would also create an easy route for tourists visiting Hampton Court to explore Surbiton and its local businesses, leading to increased spending in the area and stimulating the local economy.

3. Increased Property Values: By improving connectivity between Surbiton, Bushy Park, and Hampton Court, the footbridge would make Surbiton a more desirable place to live. Homebuyers are drawn to areas with easy access to green spaces and cultural landmarks. Increased demand for homes in the area would raise property values, providing benefits to homeowners and increasing council revenues through higher property taxes.

4. Environmental Impact: Currently, the absence of a direct route encourages car usage, contributing to congestion and pollution on roads like the A307. A footbridge would promote sustainable travel by providing a safe and attractive alternative for walking and cycling between Surbiton, Bushy Park, and Hampton Court. This would reduce local traffic, lower emissions, and support the council's sustainability goals by helping to improve air quality and reduce the community's carbon footprint.

5. Public Health and Wellbeing: Due to the inconvenience of current routes, many Surbiton residents are less likely to visit Bushy Park or Hampton Court for recreational activities. A footbridge would provide easy access to both locations, encouraging outdoor exercise such as walking, running, and cycling. Regular access to green spaces is proven to improve mental and physical health, reducing the strain on public health services and promoting a healthier, more active community.

6. Tourism and Leisure: A footbridge would transform the area into a more cohesive destination for tourists, allowing easier exploration of Surbiton, Bushy Park, and Hampton Court Palace. Visitors would have the convenience of accessing all three areas without lengthy detours or the need for car travel. This would enhance the tourist experience, leading to longer stays and more spending on local attractions, dining, and retail, ultimately benefiting the local economy.

7. Commercial Investment: Increased connectivity would attract new commercial opportunities in the area. Businesses such as cafes, bike rentals, and leisure services would benefit from the increased foot traffic, particularly with visitors drawn to both the natural beauty of Bushy Park and the cultural allure of Hampton Court. This would create local jobs, attract investments, and strengthen Surbiton's role as a vibrant hub for both locals and tourists.

8. Cost-Effective Infrastructure: A footbridge would offer a high-impact solution with relatively low construction and maintenance costs compared to other infrastructure projects like new roads or expanded rail systems. The long-term economic benefits—such as increased tourism, higher property values, reduced traffic congestion, and greater environmental sustainability—would ensure a positive return on investment for the local council and community.

The current routes from Surbiton to Bushy Park and Hampton Court are inconvenient and limit the area's potential for growth. A footbridge would address these issues by offering a direct, safe, and scenic route, while unlocking commercial, environmental, and community benefits for the entire region"

You can sign the petition here.