POOLE’S troubled Twin Sails Bridge re-opened yesterday morning after being stuck for almost a day.

In the latest problem to beset the structure, the road barriers and closure signs were put out again as the sails of the £21.6million lifting bridge went up for almost 22 hours.

The fault is believed to have occurred at around 11.30am on Saturday and the sails stayed up with the wind and rain whistling past them as traffic was directed to use Poole Bridge.

Maria Teale, who watched the drama unfold from her Hamworthy flat, said: “I noticed the bridge was not quite at its opening position when it was raised. It was slightly ajar. I kept an eye on it for 10 to 15 minutes; I thought this is not a normal lift.

“It was closed throughout Saturday afternoon and evening and didn’t start working again until 9.45am. It’s very slow so I think there is still a problem.”

The latest problem to hit the Twin Sails comes just over a week after it was closed to road traffic for nine hours after a problem with the hydraulic operating system on Friday, April 5 - a day after its first birthday.

Since then the bridge has been operating on reduced hydraulic power which has lengthened opening times to 3.5 minutes from the usual two.

Borough of Poole has ordered a replacement part which has not yet arrived.

Poole Bridge is due to close tomorrow for 10 days for maintenance work.

However it is possible this may now be re-considered.

John Rice, engineering and maintenance manager, has said: “During the time of the closure, contractors will also be carrying out further remedial work to the Twin Sails Bridge but this will be undertaken without causing any further delay or disruption to marine traffic or road users.”

However he said this would be reviewed if there were any “unforeseen circumstances”.