River footbridge reopened after 'essential' work

The Environment Agency said the work was essential for public safety

A footbridge over a river on the border of Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire has reopened after maintenance work.

The Zouch footbridge on the River Soar, near Loughborough, was shut at short notice in September last year after an inspection found "significant" structural defects.

A diversion route was set up which ran 1.5 miles (2.4km) along Main Street in the village and used other existing public footpaths.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency, who own the bridge, apologised for the inconvenience caused but said the work was essential for public safety.

The agency also said a further closure may happen in July "for a few days" for electrical works.

However it said as much notice as possible of this would be given.