Gunnislake: Bridge repairs to continue on Friday

Gunnislake Newbridge was closed between 09:30 and 15:30 BST on Wednesday and Thursday

A bridge that links Devon and Cornwall has reopened following emergency work.

Gunnislake Newbridge shut between 09:30 and 15:30 BST on Wednesday and Thursday for repairs after "a small hole" was found in one of its piers.

Devon County Council said it would temporarily close again on Friday to allow teams to finish the work.

The authority said it was "essential" action was taken to protect the structure.

No "immediate structural concerns" were raised after initial inspections by Devon County Council.

Teams would try to remove large fallen trees from a section of the River Tamar, the council said

Engineers used concrete-filled sandbags to pack the void at the water-level, it said.

A Devon County Council engineer said the bridge reopened at 15:30 BST on Thursday but would temporarily shut again on Friday at 09:30 BST.

Devon County Council said: "Subject to the weather and the water levels a reinforced 'deflector' will also be attached to the base of the pier to guard against any further damage until a more permanent repair can be carried out this summer, when water levels should be lower."

The council said teams would also try to remove large fallen trees in the same section of the River Tamar while the bridge was closed.

The council said the work could not be carried out without closing the bridge

Councillor Stuart Hughes said: "The ongoing wet weather is keeping river levels high with a lot of tree debris ending up in the water, and it's unfortunate that this has led to the bridge being damaged.

"This bridge was built circa 1520, with sections rebuilt in 1773, so it's important that we take this emergency action to protect it.

"This work can't be carried out without a closure and we're sorry that it will cause some inconvenience, but every effort will be made to reopen the bridge as soon as possible."

A diversion will be in place via the A390 Callington, A388, B3362, A390.