Bridge to country park to open before Christmas

The new bridge over the River Leam has been delayed by technical and ecological challenges, a councillor said

A long-awaited replacement pedestrian and cycle bridge to a Warwickshire country park is set to open before Christmas, a councillor has said.

The old bridge connecting Radford Road to Newbold Comyn, Leamington Spa, was found unsafe last year and removed in March.

Its replacement was delayed by concerns for nature and recent floods but was finally delivered and winched into place on Thursday.

In a letter to residents Warwick District Council Green Party member Will Roberts said: "The official opening will hopefully take place on 18 December."

Newbold Comyn's paths, cycle track and football pitches are well-used for sport and recreation, including a weekly park run event.

Roberts told his constituents: "This has been a very long, complicated and challenging journey, which has seen several hold ups."

These included "protected fish, calls from the Environment Agency to increase the height of the bridge by 2m (6.6ft) and a lost gas pipe", he added in the letter.

The bridge was transported on a lorry and slotted into place by crane

The new 3.5m (11.5ft) wide bridge was built off-site and transported by road, before being hoisted into place between newly constructed abutments.

Contractors now aim to complete footpaths and landscaping works before it opens.

"We are very much looking forward to opening it to local residents at the earliest opportunity," Roberts said.

The Radford Road car park will remain shut so works can be carried out safely, the council said.