Evesham bridge wins £8.6m funding

Confirmation of £8.6m of government funding towards the cost of rebuilding Evesham's Abbey Bridge has been welcomed by Worcestershire councillors.

The announcement was made in the Chancellor George Osborne's Autumn Statement.

Councillor John Smith, cabinet member for highways at Worcestershire County Council, said it was fantastic news.

Mr Smith said if it had not received funding, the bridge would have closed with a devastating effect on the town.

The bridge over the River Avon is the main route in and out of Evesham.

The county council said it had been deteriorating for more than 60 years.

According to the council it will cost about £12.6m to replace the bridge and a contractor could be appointed in the few weeks.

In total the chancellor promised to fund 35 new rail and road projects across the UK.