River footbridge closed over safety concerns

The Environment Agency has apologised for the inconvenience caused by the bridge's closure

A footbridge over a river on the border of Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire has been closed after it was found to have "significant" structural defects.

The Environment Agency said an inspection of the bridge at the radial gate in Zouch, near Loughborough, over the summer had identified safety concerns.

The bridge will remain closed until at least the end of the year, officials said.

Plans are being drawn up to replace the faulty crossing over the winter months

Hayley Bedwell, from the Environment Agency, said: “While the bridge remains closed, we would like to take this opportunity to apologise for any inconvenience caused and to highlight the available pedestrian route to join up with the public right of way network and avoiding the bridge closures.”

She said signs have been installed in key locations in the area highlighting the bridge closures.

A diversion route runs 1.5 miles (2.4km) along Main Street in the village and along existing public footpaths.