Bowstring Bridge demolition leaves 'gaping hole' in part of Leicester
Campaigners against the demolition of a popular pub and a Victorian bridge say they are devastated to see "how quickly history can be wiped out".
The last pieces of the Bowstring Bridge were removed last week, and a "gaping hole" now occupies the site of the former Pump and Tap, in Leicester's West End.
The building had stood in Duns Lane, off Braunstone Gate, for more than 180 years.
Work to remove the 19th century bridge began in October after Leicester City Council agreed it should be demolished to enable De Montfort University to build a sports centre and swimming pool on the site.
Crews began work to take down the pub at the end of November, just a day after former leaseholder John Husain handed over the keys.
Mr Husain, who ran the venue for more than 20 years, said he was shocked to see how quickly the pub was knocked down.
He said: "It's shocking the speed at which it's been done.
"Both the bridge and pub have left a gaping hole in that part of the West End.
"It's devastating how quickly history can be wiped out. It's a disgrace.
"I was watching a film the other day on the wartime blitz, where someone walks out of their house and half their street has come down. It's that feeling I had when I saw it."
Protesters had been fighting for two years to save the historic bridge and pub. Thousands of people joined online internet support groups, signed a petition and held rallies. But their efforts were in vain.
Campaigner Lee Mullen, of Highfields, has now set up the Remember The Pump and Tap and the Bowstring Bridge on social networking site Facebook, as a "memorial, tribute and forum for the Bowstring Bridge and our beloved Pump and Tap pub".
The 34-year-old said: "Leicester City Council and De Montfort University have betrayed the legacy of Leicester."
A De Montfort University spokesman said: "When this subject was covered in the Leicester Mercury in early November, we stated then that our aim was to complete the preparation of the site, including the demolition of the Pump and Tap pub, as soon as possible."
20 Comments
View all
by Bens Buddy, Perth
Wednesday, December 09 2009, 3:02PM
“I live in Australia and I feel for the people who are mourning the loss of this bridge. What is going to be put up there is a worry. We don't have very much history here,being such a young country,and some that we had,the powers-that-be decided (in the '80's)that we should have modern buildings to go with our "modern" city.Monstrosity after monstrosity of concrete and glass went up as we lost beautifully designed buildings,etc.NOW,the powers that be are regretting what they did,but have no recourse but to carry on doing it as anything remotely resembling beauty would be out of place.Don't let them do this to your lovely city(e.g. that wall of glass).Keep your history,'cos once it's gone,nothing can bring it back.”
by Johnny C, Leicester
Wednesday, December 09 2009, 1:27PM
“THE ROAD IS NOW FULLY OPEN.
HURRAH!”
by Nick Fitzsimons, Westcotes
Wednesday, December 09 2009, 1:03PM
“'A De Montfort University spokesman said: "When this subject was covered in the Leicester Mercury in early November, we stated then that our aim was to complete the preparation of the site, including the demolition of the Pump and Tap pub, as soon as possible."' - what they fail to add is that as recently as August they told the Mercury that they had not yet decided whether the pub was to be demolished: "...We don't know yet whether we have to do it or not." http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/bowstringbridge/Historic-bridge-demolished-says-university/article-1225064-detail/article.html
It seems that we are expected to forget statements they made when they thought it might be possible to dampen down some of the negative publicity, and only remember those things they said once they had decided they had nothing to lose by openly displaying their contempt for the community.
DMU realise what a public relations nightmare they have created for themselves by their arrogance. Their deceptively selective quotations of their own statements should be countered, to demonstrate the way they seek to manipulate and conceal the facts of their behaviour.”
by KM, Nearby
Wednesday, December 09 2009, 12:57PM
“LOL!!! I walk down there every day and my knuckles don't drag.
What a nice welcome change to have something new there.
I for one would like a Gym closer to home.”
by Paul, Oadby
Wednesday, December 09 2009, 12:55PM
“Anybody seen the plans for the new building yet, i'm expecting the builder to make at start soon as we cannot have a drink in the pub this Christmas.......”