VISIONS of a new look Vauxhall bridge as a shining beacon of Great Yarmouth have been mooted in the week a decision is to be made on whether to fund its makeover.

VISIONS of a new look Vauxhall bridge as a shining beacon of Great Yarmouth have been mooted in the week a decision is to be made on whether to fund its makeover.

Mike Taylor is one of a number of borough councillors who have been calling for improvements to the Grade II listed bridge, describing the structure as an “eyesore.”

He said: “I think it is one of the most pressing issues when you come off the railway station and frankly if it is done sympathetically with good lighting it could look very attractive as a gateway to the town centre.”

The county council, which is behind the bridge project, will be seeking funding for a study into what options are available to improve the bridge. The funding appeal will be discussed by the council's area committee on Monday.

The borough council has received between �300,000 and �400,000 of lottery money for improvements to the Runham Vauxhall area, some of which could be allotted for the bridge work.

David Wardale, project engineer in design at the county council, said the study was looking into improving the general transport situation in that area including the bridge which is a cycleway owned by sustainable transport charity Sustrans.

He added the study could also look at providing a bus stop at the railway station which it does not have at present.