The announcement made today, November 27, by County Councillor Val Letheren comes after months of consideration.

Bourg Walk, named after Aylesbury's twin town Bourg en Bresse in France, was first proposed by a young student teacher. The suggestion came after the Bucks Herald ran a story calling for readers to come up with possible names for the bridge. The paper was later inundated with requests from the public to call the bridge Bourg Walk - which in English means Town Walk.

The bridge spans the railway linking Southcourt to the Town Centre - creating an impressive focal point and gateway for people arriving in Aylesbury. Bourg Walk forms part of Phase 4 of the Aylesbury Transport Hub and, although it will be in temporary use early in the New Year, will not be fully completed until spring 2009 when an official opening is planned.

Greater Aylesbury Local Forum considered the proposed names for the bridge earlier this month. However, final responsibility for choosing the name from the 53 suggestions put forward fell to Val Letheren, Cabinet Member for Transportation, who said: "This was not an easy task. Discussions about naming the bridge have been going on for over six months. Both local press and radio were involved in canvassing people for their views, we have also talked to local residents' groups, young people the district and town councils, and we have listened to everyone.

"In the end I chose a name that had been suggested by a resident, was clearly popular with local people and also connected the bridge to Aylesbury Town."

Other suggestions for the bridge included Boleyn Bridge, Courts Causeway and Freda Roberts Bridge - in honour of the long serving, and much loved, Liberal Democrat Councillor.

"When I discussed this with Mrs Roberts, as one of the original founders of the Town Twinning scheme, she was supportive of the idea. I have every respect for Mrs Roberts who will certainly be an honoured guest when Bourg Walk is officially opened next spring," added Mrs Letheren.

Are you happy with the name of the Bourg Walk?

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