Sir, Aycliffe West County Councillors Eddy Adam & Kate Hopper note the remarks made in last week’s Newton News regarding a replacement bridge to connect Whinlatter and Linden Places. However, the number of residents we have contacted, or who have contacted us, is far greater than the relatively low turnout at residents’ meetings in the area. We were aware of several residents who, for perfectly valid reasons, do not want the bridge replaced and their opinions could not be ignored nor dismissed out of hand.  Hence the need to get as wide a range of viewpoints as possible.  We thank those residents who have been in touch and those we met on the doorstep for their time.   For various reasons, 68% stated they wished the bridge to be replaced as a valuable community asset as they go about their everyday business.  Of the 32% who do not want the bridge replaced, the main reason was a perceived reduction in antisocial behaviour and noise nuisance since its removal; the nearby proximity of alternative access routes, as well as comments that the significant cost of a replacement bridge would be better spent on other community projects. The latter percentage also includes some residents who were not bothered either way, as they did not use the bridge anyway.  As it happens, a   project proposal to replace the bridge has already been drafted and now that we have our survey results, this will go before September’s GAMP Board meeting for approval. Durham County Councillor  Kate Hopper