CIVIC officials have once again apologised to Hamworthy residents over the delayed reopening of Poole Bridge.

The 90-year-old lifting bridge finally opened for traffic this week, more than six months over schedule and likely significantly over budget

Questions about why the £4.7 million project took so long to complete - the finish date was pushed back a staggering seven times - need to be answered, residents told the Echo.

More than 1,880 people are demanding a public enquiry into why the project stuttered for so long, and Borough of Poole (BOP) transportation portfolio holder Cllr Ian Potter has called for a full in-house review into the issue.

Engineers quietly gave the all-clear for the first vehicles to roll over the renovated structure around 4pm on Tuesday, after final safety tests were completed earlier that day.

Officials blamed delays on tough working conditions, late delivery of parts, uncharted utility lines and unmapped remnants of previous bridges.

Borough of Poole (BOP) growth and infrastructure head Julian McLaughlin said: "The contractor, Interserve, has advised that all the outstanding works and safety checks have been completed, so the council has now taken back possession of the bridge.

"There are some minor visible defects for the contractor to resolve under the contract, but we are pleased to confirm that the bridge is again reopen for public use."

Mr McLaughlin said the wait for a reopening date had been frustrating for everyone.

"Once again, we would like to apologise to residents, especially people living in Hamworthy, for the inconvenience caused by the delays," he added. "This has been a complex and challenging project, but it has been important not to compromise on quality or engineering standards.

"It would have been wrong to reopen the bridge before it was properly tested and we were confident it was safe and reliable."

The refurbished bridge now benefits from wider approach spans and walkways, easing traffic congestion and creating a safer experience for pedestrians and cyclists, the council says.

BOP cabinet portfolio holder for transportation, planning and regeneration, Cllr Ian Potter, said: "It is good news that Borough of Poole has taken back control of Poole Bridge.

"We have had to wait much longer than was originally envisaged to complete this project, but the outcome is a newly refurbished bridge that will provide a better journey for people travelling to and from Hamworthy for many years to come.”

Meanwhile, Dorset Local Enterprise Director Lorna Carver, said: "We very much welcome the completion of this critical infrastructure project in Poole."