Milton Keynes' Secklow Gate bridge to reopen in July

Secklow Gate bridge was damaged by fire in January 2010

A Buckinghamshire road bridge is to re-open at the beginning of July after being closed to traffic for 18 months.

Secklow Gate bridge in Milton Keynes, which crosses the town's market near Midsummer Arcade, was damaged by fire on 28 January 2010.

Work to repair the bridge is now under way.

Milton Keynes Council said it had been looking at potential options and delayed repairs in light of a likely application for development works.

Pressure group, Xplain, led a campaign to repair and re-open the bridge.

Leader Linda Inoki said: "We are delighted the repairs have finally begun.

"It's been a long time coming though and has caused a lot of disruption.

"The scaffolding and temporary hoardings have meant shoppers have been unable to find their way around the market - a lot of visitors actually thought the market was closed," she said.

An internal investigation and audit by Milton Keynes Council into the closure of Secklow Gate Bridge continues, with the results expected this autumn.