Victorian Footbridge Restored To Former Glory

27 July 2013, 08:36 | Updated: 27 July 2013, 08:45

A Victorian footbridge has been restored to its former glory after a major refurbishment.

It took six months to complete the work on the 120 year old Canford Suspension footbridge, which provides a pedestrian link across the River Stour. During this time work was carried out to repair the bridge's foundations and steel work, which have been damaged after years of exposure to the elements.

The bridge had to be dismantled so that new pile foundations could be installed and the deteriorated elements of the bridge replaced. Once the existing steel work was refurbished, the bridge was cleaned and painted before being re-erected. The structure also has new columns, cables, cable hangers and connections.

The Mayor of Poole, Councillor Philip Eades and the Mayor of Wimborne, Councillor Andy Hampton, officially reopened the suspension footbridge. The event was marked by the cutting of a ribbon before the two Mayors walked across the bridge.

Councillor Philip Eades, Mayor of Poole, said: "I am very pleased to see this popular pedestrian bridge restored to its former glory. It's great to see that the special character of the bridge has been retained for future generations to enjoy."
  
It cost approximately £180,000 to complete which was funded equally between Borough of Poole and Dorset County Council.

Councillor Xena Dion, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for a Sustainable and Prosperous Poole, Borough of Poole, said: "This is a great example of partnership working at its best. Borough of Poole and Dorset County Council have worked closely together to deliver this important project for residents of Poole and Wimborne. In addition Canford School have played a key role in facilitating these works. Their support in allowing us to use their land for accessing the bridge and also collecting and storing bridge parts on the hard surface by the rowing club, has been very welcomed."