The bridge attracts visitors from all over the world © Destination Bristol.

Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust has applied for permission to install a temporary information centre to cope with the growing number of visitors to the site.

A permanent visitors centre is planned for the site but work cannot be started due to a High Court challenge to the permission granted by Bristol City Council, the outcome of which is not expected until the end of October 2005.

Dayrell McArther, chairman of the trustees who administer the bridge, said: “Clifton Suspension Bridge generates huge interest among millions of visitors each year and we are being asked continually why we have not replaced the visitor centre which was forced to close when our lease on Bridge House expired last year. Sadly this lengthy and frustrating delay is outside our control.”

The site of the temporary centre is owned by the trustees. Image courtesy of Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust

He added: “This summer American tourists using the new daily direct flights from New York to Bristol are among those joining the groups turning up each day for our conducted tours of the bridge.

“With each week of the summer we see these growing in popularity and we feel we can no longer turn down requests from year-round visitors who want to buy books and souvenirs, or see some of the historic pictures which were on display at Bridge House.”

Following the latest planning delays, the council has sought permission to build a temporary visitor reception on a paved area owned by the bridge trustees near the entrance to Burwalls.

The bridge under construction © Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust.

The temporary building will allow visitor services staff to talk to groups, even on rainy days, and provide space for displays and information about the history of the bridge.

Mike Rowland, Visitor Services Manager, said: “In this location it will be readily accessible to pedestrians without obstructing any of the existing footways.”

He added: “It will also allow us to supply a limited number of the guide books, postcards and souvenirs which visitors are constantly asking for.”

Providing planning permission is granted, the new temporary centre is expected to be open in around four weeks time.