Ludford Bridge reopens to traffic

Shropshire Council said recent good weather meant workers were able to carry out repairs more quickly than expected

An ancient bridge in Shropshire has reopened following emergency repairs.

Ludford Bridge, in Ludlow, closed when frost damage caused masonry to fall into the River Teme on 4 January. No-one was hurt by the falling debris.

Repair work started on the 21 February and was scheduled to last for nine weeks.

Shropshire Council said recent good weather meant work could be carried out earlier than it had expected and the bridge would reopen at 1600 BST.

Martin Taylor-Smith, the council's cabinet member for transport, said: "It is appreciated that the closure of the bridge has caused significant inconvenience and disruption within the town and I am pleased that it has been possible to reopen the bridge a week earlier than expected."

The existing bridge was built some time in the 1400s to replace an earlier bridge built in about 1150, the council said.