MP risks wrath of romantics with call to replace 'dull' St James’s Park bridge

It is one of London’s favourite meeting spot for lovers and political plotters - and boasts some of the capital’s finest views.

But now an MP has branded the Blue Bridge over the lake in St James’s Park as “too dull” and called for a more grand replacement.

Mark Pritchard wants a more aesthetically-pleasing building to be commissioned this year to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday.

“St James’s Park is probably London’s most beautiful Royal Park,” said the Wrekin Tory MP. “The Blue Bridge, with its basic concrete and steel design, is not really befitting the bridge’s stunning surroundings. It is very utilitarian.”

Mr Pritchard plans to raise it in the Commons at questions to Culture Secretary John Whittingdale next week, where he will argue that arguing that “attractiveness and practicality” should go together.

Built in 1957, the bridge features unobtrusive low, curving arches but is marred by municipal-style metal railings of the type seen at school crossings.

For millions of visitors it offers a unique vantage point for stunning views of Buckingham Palace to the East, and in the West a sumptuous collage of historic Whitehall turrets and roofs, Horse Guards Parade, Big Ben and the London Eye.

Millions of Londoners enjoy romantic strolls across the lake, while Whitehall plotters and spies are traditionally said to use it for secret assignations.

“What better way to celebrate Her Majesty’s 90th birthday than to see a new and more attractive replacement bridge commissioned in her honour?” said Mr Pritchard.

A spokesperson for The Royal Parks said the bridge was “a bit like Marmite” with both diehard fans and critics.