A campaign to make the railings higher on a motorway bridge in Hyde where a number of people have lost their lives is gathering pace.

The bridge goes over the M67 from Halton Street to Commercial Brow in Godley.  

The Conservative councillor for the area is Andrea Colbourne, who says she first got in touch with National Highways (formerly Highways England) around six years ago about raising the height of the railings.

Since then there have been a number of unsuccessful suicide attempts at that location, so she decided to set up a petition to garner public support, which so far has over 2,000 signatures.

“A resident contacted me a few months ago which must have been after an incident and she asked what we’re going to do about it and I said that it really bothers me as well,” Cllr Colbourne – who was elected to Tameside Council back in May – told the Reporter.

“That’s when I set up the petition to help raise awareness and the fact over 2,000 people have supported it would help the cause with National Highways. 

“I do a lot of walking over the bridge and I’d noticed the railings weren’t high. On a good day, I’m 5ft 4in so I’m not particularly tall and the railings height comes up to my waist so if you’re taller it’s easy to jump over.

“I believe one of the suicides that happened there, the lady literally just got out of her car, ran across the pavement and just jumped. It’s too easy to jump over, it needs to be made higher to make it more difficult for people to jump over.”  

Cllr Colbourne left notes with positive messages on the railings at the bridge

'Better records needed'

Cllr Colbourne believes there has been at least three people who have committed suicide from the bridge in recent years and is calling on National Highways to keep records of incidences.

“When I’ve contacted National Highways they don’t seem to have been made aware,” she said. “It’s me that’s letting them know that there’s been a suicide. When I’ve flicked through Facebook of an evening, I’ve seen people post saying they’ve seen someone helping someone at the bridge tonight. I know there has been a few incidences at that bridge where people have been talked down or moved away from it.

“National Highways need records of particular bridges and the Godley bridge is becoming a bit of a hotspot. We’re only a small town and there have been a few suicides from the bridge. The records need to be kept up to date and that should include incidences where people have been taken away and sought help another way. I don’t think it’s happening at the moment.”

One of the note's messages

'What cost is a life at the end of the day?'

Cllr Colbourne says some motorway bridges around the region are much taller and supports all bridges becoming higher but is frustrated by the fact funding appears to be the main stumbling block.

“I’m aware of some motorway bridges around Greater Manchester that are around 10ft high,” she said. “Some also have a bit which hangs over the motorway as opposed to up in over the road so you wouldn’t have that enclosed space.

“I don’t know how much it would cost to make that happen but when I have spoken to National Highways, it does always come down to money unfortunately. I find it a bit bizarre because what cost is a life at the end of the day?

“When I first shared the petition, there were lots of comments which said it was a good idea and people think that all motorway bridges should be made higher. I would agree with that because even in Denton and other parts of Tameside bridges aren’t that high.

“We’re living in times now where people are really feeling the cost of living crisis and will do even more soon. Mental health issues because of Covid have gone through the roof and all these things need addressing but again it comes down to money being in the pot.”

Meeting with Mentell

In a bid to make progress and help raise awareness around suicide, Cllr Colbourne has met with Jo Mellor from mental health charity Mentell and a representative from Tameside Council.

“My meeting with Jo went really well and we want to work together to try to raise awareness,” Andrea said.

“Jo has got some placemats for pubs as part of an initiative. We met in POP café in Hyde and she managed to get them to sign up for the scheme. We want to raise more awareness not just of suicides in males and in the young but with regards to raising the height of motorway bridges too.

“I also had a meeting with people at the council and I’m waiting to hear back from that as to what the next steps are. I’m hoping it’ll be positive but we’ll see.”

Jo Mellor also commented: “Mentell is honoured to be a part of the working group in making a difference. We will be opening our face-to-face group back up in Hyde in September ready to support any male aged 18 or over through the coming winter months.”

Mentell provides the opportunity for men aged 18 and over to talk in a safe and confidential space, free from advice and judgement 

Support available

Mentell offers a safe, confidential space which is non clinical with immediate support. Until group sessions reopen, you can meet over Zoom on Monday evenings from 7pm to 9pm.

Visit https://www.mentell.org.uk/ for more information.

You can also sign Cllr Colbourne’s petition here: https://www.change.org/p/make-the-railings-higher-on-the-bridge-going-over-the-m67-hyde-commercial-brow

If you or anyone you may know is struggling and would benefit from support, please contact Samaritans on 116 123 or Text SHOUT to 85258. 

You can find an in-depth list of NHS support here. 

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