Inspection time for three bridges

Newton Farm Track Bridge is one of the three being inspected by the local authority

Preparations will start next week for routine safety inspections on three bridges over a former railway line in Rugby that date back 125 years.

The borough council said teams would assess Newton Lane Bridge, near the Newton Five Arches picnic area, and the Newton Farm Track Bridge, as well as the bridge abutment on Staveley Way in Brownsover.

They all feature along the Great Central Way.

It is expected vegetation clearance will begin on Monday, with inspections due to take place in June and July.

Ecological assessments were carried out at all three sites to ensure the work has no impact on nesting birds and other wildlife, the council said.

The local authority said security fencing would be erected to maintain pedestrian access to the Great Central Way during the work.

"We operate a cyclical inspection and maintenance programme for the railway bridges over the Great Central Way in the borough, which were built around 125 years ago," a spokesperson said.

"While we aim to keep disruption at a minimum during the safety inspections, we ask for the public's patience and understanding while this important work takes place."