Network Rail will carry out maintenance costing £1.3m on a stretch of Hoole Road Bridge from January-May.

Traffic will not have access to the bridge from February 11 for up to 12 weeks and concerned pedestrians thought they would be affected too.

Residents set up a petition to ask Cheshire County Council and Network Rail to provide a temporary footbridge.

Louise Bolotin, from Chester, wrote on the website gopetition.co.uk where the petition began: "I was shocked and appalled to learn we will be cut off from the city of Chester when Hoole Bridge (one of the main routes into town) closes next year. As a disabled person, this causes me enormous problems."

Hoole resident Steve Howe wrote on a Chester internet forum: "Hoole Road Bridge is without doubt the most dangerous and unpleasant place in Chester for those on two wheels or legs and they've yet again been failed by planners, councillors and transport companies.

"Lots and lots of money is being spent doing up the station surroundings and soon lots more for strengthening the bridge so 44-tonne juggernauts will be able to thunder across it.

"This closure would surely present the golden opportunity to install outriggers to each side of the bridge for non-motorised users. The old pavements could then be removed, making it safer for drivers too."

Hoole and Newton Conservatives have welcomed the decision to maintain public access.

Cllr John Ebo said: "Initially pedestrians and cyclists were going to be denied access but following our representations they will now have access.

"It seemed crazy to us these important commuters would be told to go on an extraordinary diversion."

The closure will mean Hoole Road will be closed at Hoole roundabout, except for access to all shops, residential and business properties, which will be maintained at all times and clear signage will be in place to indicate this.

Now thousands of residents will be sent an explanatory letter from Cheshire County Council to keep them informed.

Network Rail has worked closely with Cheshire County Council, who say they hope to keep disruption to a minimum.

But it will mean reduced parking spaces at the Chester Station West car park because the site compound will be there during the works.

Three bus stops in Hoole Road will be temporarily relocated between Newton Lane and the Bridge. The council say buses will run as normal although diversionary routes will be in place.

o A HOTEL owner is worried about he disruption the roadworks will cause.

Paul Feather, chairman of the Feathers Group and owner of the Queen Hotel, in Chester, said: "We think it's going to be a nightmare. I don't think the council will do it in three months.