New footbridge awaits official opening a month on

The bridge, across the River Wear, will help ease match day traffic when it opens

An official opening for a new footbridge is yet to be confirmed, a month after pedestrians were temporarily allowed to use it.

The Keel Crossing connects Sunderland city centre with the Sheepfolds development and the Stadium of Light.

Thousands walked across the £31m structure for the first time on 22 August, the opening day of the Women's Rugby World Cup, which was being held at Sunderland AFC's home ground.

However, it remains to be confirmed when the River Wear crossing will permanently open. Sunderland City Council has been approached for a comment.

Businesses operating at The Sheepfolds said they were looking forward to the crossing opening properly.

Vito Farigu, owner of Vito's Osteria, said the footbridge would be beneficial for the business, which has been open for about a year.

"We already have a solid customer base that we're just looking to expand further," he said.

Sheepfolds is home to several restaurants and bars

Finley Kenny, chef at Ember, said footfall would increase "massively" when the crossing opens.

"I think there would be a lot more customers coming from the new office building as well," he said.

"It's a five-minute walk, it would be an easy place to come and grab lunch."

The footbridge is one of several high-profile developments under construction as part of the Riverside Sunderland scheme, including Culture House and the new eye hospital.

Labour council leader Michael Mordey previously said the crossing was a "central pillar" of the project and would make the Stadium of Light and Sheepfolds more accessible.

After welcoming pedestrians on 22 August, it closed at the end of the day so a final phase of cosmetic works could take place. It is due to permanently open before the end of the year.

At the time, Mordey described the temporary opening as an "amazing milestone" in the city's regeneration.

"It will be open full time for the public in a few months time but this is a real international moment for the city, so I am delighted people finally get to use the crossing today," he said.

The bridge measures 32ft (10m) wide and spans 853ft (260m), at a height of 98ft (30m) above the river.

It was officially named earlier this year after a public vote.

Some of the named rejected included Bridge-it Jones, the Please Fix the Potholes Instead Bridge and Régis Le Bridge, in honour to Sunderland AFC's manager.