THE long-awaited reopening of a bridge shut for more than five years has finally happened following a ceremony last week.

Council bosses gathered at the Riverside Bridge near Chapel Street car park in Halstead Wednesday, May 26 for its grand reopening.

The bridge was considered an eyesore by many with Essex Highways ruling the bridge off-limits back in 2014.

However, a structural report carried out by Halstead Town Council last year said the bridge didn't need to be closed and was "in a better state than was implied by Essex County Council when they closed the bridge.”

Following the report, councillors agreed to work to restore the bridge to safer levels while giving it a much needed makeover.

A working group, led by town councillor Andy Munday, began planning structural and superficial repairs to the bridge.

The council also worked to purchase the bridge for just £1 from the Crown Estates.

Final painting has been completed in recent weeks, although it is understood some underwater work remains to be completed.

However, it is not thought the remaining work will stop residents using the crossing.

Mr Munday said: "As chairman of the working group I was faced with mixed views on the condition of the bridge so, with funding sought from Braintree District Council, engaged a structural engineer to make a thorough assessment and guide us through the repair process.

"This identified a number of tasks which we then worked through. I’m really grateful to two local businesses, Ad-Tek Products and Millbank Concrete Products, who gave their time and materials free of charge to repair and strengthen the parapet.

"I would also like to thank Halstead in Bloom who made a significant donation from the legacy of a local benefactor towards the cost of the welding and subsequent painting work.

"All of this has made it possible to progress with the repairs to the bridge without significant funding from Halstead Town Council.

"The work done so far now allows the opening of the bridge and use by residents, however, there is one further stage of reinforcing the foundations of one side of the bridge which will be done when the conditions allow.

"It’s great to see the bridge reopening after such a long time closed and hopefully residents can once again enjoy the convenience it brings.”

Mayor Mick Radley added: "The council set up a working group under the chairmanship and leadership of councillor Andy Munday.

"Joining the working group was councillor Janet Atkinson, councillor Gary Warren and myself plus former councillor Eileen Penn and local resident Richard Woods from Riverside Court.

"The team officially opened the bridge on Wednesday, May 26 in a simple ceremony with Andy cutting the ribbon and declaring the bridge open.

"I would like to thank Andy and all of those involved with doing such a great job in delivering this very important improvement for the town and the benefit of residents and visitors who use the bridge.”