RESIDENTS in Downfield say they were presented with a done deal for a new £2.4million rail bridge.
The Stroud householders, who live near two pedestrian level crossings, are up in arms about the design of a foot bridge that will replace them.
Retired Susan Pickard, 65, from Central Road, is among the two dozen members of the residents' action group in Downfield.
"We were presented with a fait accompli," said Mrs Pickard.
The bridge has the potential to be used by large numbers of the 1,700 teenagers at nearby Stroud High and Marling grammar schools who have to walk across the rail halts.
Marling headteacher Dr Stuart Wilson has welcomed an initiative to make the journey to school safer for pupils.
But Mrs Pickard said residents' objections included the impact on the privacy of their homes from the bridge's height, length and lighting.
"It will be only 12 inches away from my garden fence," she said.
People were also protesting that Network Rail had not needed planning permission and had only been required to consult other agencies.
Mrs Pickard said people feared the traffic bottleneck of parents dropping off their children for school would be increased once the bridge was installed.
Network Rail, whose team met Downfield residents last week, said the decision to replace the crossing with a footbridge was to provide safer access, especially, for schoolchildren.
"We have considered the bridge design carefully taking into account the footfall, the availability of land and railway and highways standards to install a bridge with ramp for disabled access," a spokeswoman said.
"We are aware of issues' raised by residents and remain committed to reviewing the options available including privacy screens."
