Investigatory work is to begin on an iconic bridge which spans the River Tweed between England and Scotland.

The Union Chain Bridge near Berwick, the world's oldest single span suspension bridge still open to traffic, will undergo detailed investigations from Northumberland County Council, Scottish Borders Council and the ‘Friends of Union Chain Bridge'.

The work is part of a proposed £8 million scheme to carry out conservation and engineering repairs to secure the structure's future.

The investigatory work will provide a greater understanding of the status and condition of the bridge.

A funding bid for the restoration is now being prepared for the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), with a maximum of £5m available towards the bulk of the work.

Detailed investigations will begin on 26 June for up to four weeks. The structure will be closed to vehicles from 03 July on weekdays for a fortnight.

Northumberland County Council will meet next month to consider recommendations to contribute funding over three years towards the scheme. Both Northumberland and Scottish Borders Council will make contributions, along with other stakeholders.

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Cllr Glen Sanderson said: "The Union Chain Bridge is of international significance but its condition has been of growing concern for a number of years.

"Along with our colleagues in Scotland we are committed to safeguarding its future and status, both as a key transport link and as a contributor to the local tourism economy.

"The site investigation work is vital ahead of any major project starting and engineers will be working to keep disruption to a minimum throughout."

Scottish Borders Council's Executive Member for Roads and Infrastructure, Cllr Gordon Edgar, added: "I am pleased we are seeing progress in the bid to retain the Union Chain Bridge as the world's oldest single span suspension bridge still used by traffic.

"The iconic crossing has provided a vital link between Scotland and England for almost 200 years, and we want that to remain the case.

"The short-term closure of the bridge to vehicles will cause some inconvenience but will provide important information for its long-term future."

Robbie Hunter, Chairman of the Friends of the Union Chain Bridge, said: "The Friends of the Union Chain Bridge are delighted to hear of the continued significant financial support from both Northumberland County Council and Scottish Borders Council towards the restoration of the bridge, which is a unique part of the UK's engineering history.

"However, the success of the project is reliant on receiving HLF funding  and the Friends with their large community support, on both sides of the Border and internationally, will continue to lobby hard to ensure the success of the project, with the aim of restoration underway in time for its Bicentenary in 2020."

(LM/MH)