Historic canal bridge to close for repairs

The Aylestone Old Mill Canal Bridge, over the Grand Union Canal, will be closed to pedestrians and traffic

A historic bridge in Leicester will be shut for four weeks to allow the road surface to be repaired.

The Aylestone Old Mill Canal Bridge, over the Grand Union Canal, will be closed to pedestrians and traffic from Wednesday while maintenance work is carried out.

Aylestone Meadows car park will be closed to allow the work to be done, and alternative parking will be available at the nearby Canal Street car park.

Leicester City Council said that diversions would be in place during the works and the canal and towpath beneath the bridge would remain open.

Councillor Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for environment and transport, said: "This historic bridge is a well-known feature over this stretch of the canal.

"Wear and tear mean that the condition of the bridge's road surface is such that repair work is now required, and the bridge will close for a few weeks while that is carried out."

The work will cost about £37,000 and is being funded through the city's highways capital maintenance budget.