A three month repair programme to ensure the long-term future of a bridge in Stow has been completed.

The £250,000 refurbishment works to Station Bridge began in August 2018, with single lane access available for vehicles and a temporary footbridge installed to continue to provide pedestrian access throughout the programme.

A full two week closure of the bridge was needed this month to complete the repairs, which were finished two days early by SBc Contracts.

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The bridge is the main route to Stow Rail Station and the village's primary school and health centre, with the works ensuring its long-term durability.

Executive Member for Roads and Infrastructure, Councillor Gordon Edgar, said: "Station Bridge is a hugely important crossing to Stow and the surrounding area which is why these works were so vital.

"I am delighted the repairs went so well and were completed ahead of schedule.

"We would like to thank all local residents and rail users during the closure, including the primary school and health centre, for their patience and understanding.

"The Council successfully completed repairs to Lowood Bridge earlier this year, and have committed over £22million in roads and bridges over the next three years, with £79m planned investment over the next ten years.

"This includes the additional £1.8m investment for 2018/19 to target road repairs across the region."