From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, January 15, 2008

DEVON County Council's Executive has approved proposals to repair the historic Bideford Longbridge.

The support for the plans today (Tuesday 15 January) is subject to funding for the scheme being rubber-stamped by the Executive on 26 February, which will consider proposals for £2 million to be allocated in 2008/09 and £1.31 million in 2009/10.

Three options have been examined:

- Basic repairs for £2.3million;

- Repair scheme and installing a cathodic system for £3.31 million;

- Strengthening the bridge by replacing the reinforced concrete cantilever footways for £8.37 million.

The preferred option and the most effective solution in the medium to long term is to repair the defective reinforced concrete areas and install a cathodic protection system. This technique will stop the corrosion process of the steel reinforcement by applying a small electrical current into the concrete.

The work will preserve and maintain the current form of the Grade One Listed structure for at least 60 years.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "This scheme will maintain the security of this ancient and historic bridge which is part of Bideford's cultural heritage and it satisfies the local feeling expressed in the Town Council meeting last week."

Councillor Humphrey Temperley, Devon County Council Executive Member for Regeneration, Strategic Planning and Regional Affairs and County Councillor for Bideford South and Hartland, said: "It's a great relief to the people of the town that they won't have to endure a long series of bridge closures while this work is carried out. There's a great deal of support for this work and I have to thank our officers for finding a solution."

Councillor Hugo Barton, Devon County Councillor for Bideford East, said: "I'm pleased that after much consultation and debate we have what I think is a good solution to the bridge; a bridge of local and national importance. This will give a long-term, cost effective solution and done in a way that will hopefully cause minimal disruption to the town."

Detailed inspections carried out at the bridge in July 2007 revealed significant deterioration of the cantilever footway of the bridge. If neglected it will deteriorate further and could eventually result in the closure of the bridge.

A section of the southside footpath was closed as a safety precaution following the inspection. Temporary supports were also installed to the concrete edge beams on two weakened spans.

The preferred scheme will preserve rather than strengthen the bridge and the three tonne weight restriction will remain in place, as it has since 2002. This option will also minimise disruption to traffic during construction.

Further detailed consultation will be needed with English Heritage over any alterations to the bridge.

Notes to Editors:

Councillor Margaret Rogers, 01297 680384.

Councillor Humphrey Temperley, 07966 411654.

Councillor Hugo Barton, 01805 624768.