Around 40 residents of Almere’s Waterwijk opposed the planned demolition of the worn-out Baarsbrug on Sunday. The municipality estimates that replacing the footbridge would cost more than €400,000, while demolition would cost less than €50,000. It has said there is no budget for a replacement and that the bridge is not part of a major route because suitable alternatives are available. The Twickel Bridge in the Landgoedenbuurt is also on the demolition list.

Residents and the TopKids childcare centre said demolition could make routes less safe, particularly for groups of children. The proposed alternative is the Zalmbrug, about 150 metres away, where cyclists and pedestrians share the road with motor traffic. One resident has formally objected, and other interested parties can do so until 16 November. Residents hope the municipality will instead renovate the bridge or build a cheaper replacement.