A petition to save a 'vital link' on the Thames Path has been rejected by central government.

Temple Bridge, a popular crossing between Berkshire and Buckinghamshire that makes up part of the Thames Path, was closed for the foreseeable future by the Environment Agency (EA) on May 15 after it was deemed unsafe for pedestrians.

Speaking back in May, a representative for the EA said it was "well aware of the inconvience the bridge closure will cause to the local community", adding that the structure had experienced rapid deterioration including holes in some of the boards.

Following the closure, National Trail provided details of a diversion route for walkers between Hurley and Marlow, taking them from Temple Lane along Marlow Road and Bisham Road before rejoining the Thames Path at The Causeway in Marlow. 

However, Karl Matthews, a member of a campaign group fighting to re-open Temple Bridge, told the Bucks Free Press that the recommended diversion is located on a "narrow path with many cars racing past", describing it as "more dangerous" than the bridge.

Mr Matthews submitted a petition to central government on July 13 requesting support in finding a "speedy solution for all walkers of the Thames Path" and to "help the EA appreciate our concern about the loss of this amenity".

Any British citizen or UK resident can create a petition on the UK Government and Parliament website which is subsequently checked to see if it meets the required standards. If an approved petition generates 10,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in parliament.

However, the Temple Bridge petition was rejected by website moderators because it was deemed to require "action at a local level". Approved petitions are required to "call for specific action from the UK government or the House of Commons". 

The Environment Agency has committed to releasing a response to the situation, which has generated substantial local concern, by mid-August.

While it is unlikely that any action will be taken prior to the EA's response next month, campaigners are hoping to put pressure on the relevant authorities by continuing to voice their dissent.

At a gathering of community members from Marlow, Temple, Hurley and the surrounding areas on July 13, one person suggested that a ferry crossing should temporarily be installed in lieu of the bridge, while another proposed an alternative walking route through Harleyford. 

There are also fears that neighbouring bridges could also be closed, resulting in further impact on local residents.

A condition survey recently revealed that Cookham Bridge, connecting Cookham with Bourne End, was in need of extensive work after surveyors concluded it was in a 'very poor' condition.