Popular footbridge to be replaced

The council said the underside of the bridge was corroding

A popular footbridge is due to be replaced during the school summer holidays.

Routine inspection of the footbridge to the north of Allenview car park in Wimborne, Dorset, found corrosion on the underside of the bridge, which is used by students of the nearby Allenbourn Middle School.

Dorset Council said the River Allen bridge was not unstable, but did require attention.

The council's cabinet member for place commissioned services, Jon Andrews, said the new bridge would be "modern and easier to maintain".

The council said the bridge needed to be replaced because it was not possible to do the work in situ.

The old bridge will be refurbished offsite and reused elsewhere.

"The bridge is well-used, especially by students attending the nearby school but after years of wear and tear it is in need of repair," said Mr Andrews.

"Our decision to replace it was made after careful consideration."

The council said vegetation would be cut back to allow for removal of the bridge, and that an ecologist would check all nesting birds had left by the time the work starts.

The new bridge will be assembled in sections and the slope on its approach will be adjusted.

It will be ready in time for the new school term in September.