'Unsafe' footbridges to reopen after repair works

Footbridges that have been shut for more than a year will reopen following repair works.

Peterborough City Council (PCC) closed three footbridges within Cuckoo's Hollow, in Werrington, over public safety concerns and said they were "at risk of collapse".

Members of the public previously expressed disappointment over the lack of consultation about the decision and the impact it would have on accessibility.

This week, the local authority said restoration works, costing about £1.2m, had been completed and two of the three bridges would reopen on Friday.

Bridges at the reserve were inspected in January last year, and the council found signs of degradation and evidence of water voles.

It said that three bridges, adjacent to Baron Court, Lakeside and Welbourne, had deteriorated much more quickly than anticipated and posed a risk to public safety.

However, the council said only two unsafe bridges - Baron Court and Lakeside - would be replaced due to a limited council budget.

PPC's cabinet member for environment and transport, Angus Ellis, previously said the authority prioritised replacing those particular bridges to ensure there was access to the north and south of Cuckoo's Hollow.

"I am pleased that this work to replace the bridges is being done, it is much needed by residents and visitors to the natural habitat of Cuckoos Hollow," he said.

Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.