A VITAL link across the River Stour for more than half a century is set to be replaced this summer at a cost of £400,000.

The main weir bridge near historic Throop Mill closed last summer amid safety fears and a temporary crossing was erected for pedestrians.

Rotting timbers prompted the decision by Dorset County Council to erect the temporary structure which will be used until the new bridge is erected this summer. Work is expected to take eight weeks and be completed by the end of July.

Ward councillor Ron Whittaker, who voiced fears that the much-needed link from Muscliff and Throop could be lost, welcomed the decision to erect a new crossing.

The project will cost £400,000 and is being funded by the DCC and Bournemouth borough council.

He said: “The temporary footbridge has been well used. We are looking forward to getting the new bridge and we’re delighted it will be wider to allow people using this busy crossing to pass on the bridge.

“This river crossing has been used by hundreds of cyclists and walkers for half a century. It’s great to hear some good news; we have been campaigning for a new footbridge across the Stour for several years and our campaign has finally paid off.”

DCC’s bridge management chief engineer John Burridge said: “There may be short periods of disruption to allow for the manoeuvring of construction vehicles, delivery of material and the operation of cranes, but we will try to keep this to a minimum.”