September 9, 2016 11.32 am This story is over 90 months old

Video: Lincoln residents “can’t be bothered” to use new £12m footbridge

Warning: This video contains some strong language. An ‘alternative news’ publisher from Lincoln was told by residents they’re not using the new £12 million High Street footbridge because they “can’t be bothered”, in a series of video interviews. Ashley Hill, administrator of the popular spoof Facebook page Lincoln Problems, took to the city centre to find…

Warning: This video contains some strong language.

An ‘alternative news’ publisher from Lincoln was told by residents they’re not using the new £12 million High Street footbridge because they “can’t be bothered”, in a series of video interviews.

Ashley Hill, administrator of the popular spoof Facebook page Lincoln Problems, took to the city centre to find out whether the public used the footbridge and if not, why.

Interestingly, he says he discovered people would rather stand and wait for a train than use the footbridge, which officially opened on June 24 this year.

Swarms of people were filmed waiting at the crossing, rather than using the new £12 million bridge.

Swarms of people were filmed waiting at the crossing, rather than using the new £12 million bridge.

Filming at the level crossing, Ashley showed swarms of commuters agitatedly gathering at the barriers, ignoring the option of the bridge.

Ashley Hill, also known as 'Admin Ash' found people would rather wait at the lines than use the footbridge.

Ashley Hill, also known as ‘Admin Ash’ found people would rather wait at the lines than use the footbridge. Photo: Youtube

There were mixed opinions from Lincoln pedestrians, with some stating they do use the footbridge saying: “I think [the footbridge] is impressive.

“I would use it rather than standing here and waiting. People always moan about waiting.”

However, others weren’t so positive about the bridge.

One man said: “[The bridge is] too high and obviously elderly people can’t climb up the stairs.

“I’ve never used the bridge, I would rather wait.”

Photo: Aaron Renfree

Photo: Aaron Renfree

Ashley Hill, also known as ‘Admin Ash’, told The Lincolnite: “We stood there for about four hours and were genuinely shocked at how many people weren’t using it.

“Not only that, people were stood there tutting and moaning about how long the barriers were there for.

“I personally think it’s great and not a waste of money, I always use it.

“I understand there are genuine reasons why people can’t use it, but from what we heard, people are just too lazy.”

A spokesperson for Network Rail said: “Lincoln High Street footbridge is an alternative to waiting at the level crossing but if people choose to wait, that’s their choice.

“The reason for building the bridge was to stop the dangerously high levels of misuse and make the level crossing safer for everyone.

“The bridge means that people now have a safe route over the railway, 24/7.”