Lifting bridge remains closed as repairs continue

Poole's Twin Sails bridge has been in the raised position since a fault was found in mid-May.

A lifting bridge on the Dorset coast remains out of action, following the latest round of repair work and testing.

Poole's Twin Sails bridge has been in the raised position since a fault was found during an inspection in mid-May.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council said on Monday that engineers would start testing lowering and raising the bridge.

In a notice to mariners, the council said it was "not yet ready" to return to routine. service.

The council previously said it expected the bridge would operate on its regular schedule from 12 August if testing procedures were successful.

It said recent repair work had seen the bridge kept in its lowered position for extended periods.

"Significant progress was made during the most recent of these periods (7th-8th August) but the Twin Sails bridge is not yet ready to return to routine service," ithe notice to mariners said.

A spokesperson added there was no reason to suspect a delay but an exact reopening date could not be confirmed.

The bridge, which opened in 2012, and nearby Poole Bridge allow drivers to avoid a six-mile detour and enables boats to pass between Holes Bay and Poole Bay.

Poole Bridge at Poole Quay, which lifts hourly at half past the hour, is still in use.

Nearby Poole Bridge at Poole Quay, which lifts hourly at half past, has remained in use.