Epsom and Ewell Borough Council has voted to remove historic stepping stones across the Hogsmill River in Ewell, Surrey, due to safety concerns raised by the Environment Agency. The council's Environment Committee decided last Tuesday to replace the 40-year-old landmark with a new footbridge, estimated to cost over £100,000.
The decision comes despite advice that repairs, such as adding a handrail or non-slip surfaces, would cost under £1,000 and that the stones have required minimal maintenance over four decades. Countryside Manager Stuart Cocker had presented several options, including maintaining the existing stones, building a bridge alongside them, or removing them without replacement. He also suggested that the stones could be kept dry by managing the river's water level.
Council chairwoman Cllr Liz Frost stated that the Environment Agency had advised the removal of the stones unless another organization agreed to assume responsibility for their safety and maintenance. She also noted that the current crossing is not accessible to individuals with prams, pushchairs, or bikes, and requires a reasonable level of mobility to use.
However, some councillors expressed reluctance to remove the stones, highlighting their historical significance and local importance. Cllr Rob Geleit recalled playing on the stones as a child and voiced a desire to preserve them, while Cllr Julie Morris described them as rare and part of local history, suggesting that accessible solutions could be found without removal.
Conversely, councillors like Cllr Rachel King emphasized the legal risks associated with maintaining a known hazard. "You cannot sign your way out of liability," she stated, explaining that continuing to allow the use of stones known to be unsafe would expose the council to potential claims if someone were injured.
The committee ultimately voted five to three in favor of removing the stepping stones and constructing a new footbridge. The proposed bridge is expected to improve accessibility to the area for a wider range of people. The Environment Agency's stance remained that the stones are not safe, even if water level issues could be resolved.