REPLACING a vital link across the River Stour, which is set to be closed amid safety fears, could cost more than £400,000.

The main weir bridge near historic Throop Mill has provided the only pedestrian access across the river from Muscliff and Throop for over half a century.

Rotting timbers prompted a decision by Dorset County Council to erect a temporary structure while the weir bridge is being demolished and replaced.

Ward councillor Ron Whittaker, who has campaigned for a new footbridge across the Stour for several years, feared that the much-needed link could be lost.

But work is now nearing completion on the temporary bridge which is expected to be in place for around a year.

In emailed correspondence to Cllr Whittaker the county council’s bridge management chief engineer John Burridge says: “We are still considering our options for a replacement bridge and have produced some further estimated costs.”

Mr Burridge said £300,000 was available to install a new weir bridge with an additional £110,000 needed if the bridge is to be widened or moved downstream.

Cllr Whittaker, who was told earlier this year that the new bridge may not be constructed until 2014, said work on the temporary structure was almost finished.

He added: “This river crossing has been well used by hundreds of cyclists and walkers for half a century. I hope that Bournemouth council will contribute towards the new weir bridge to ensure that it becomes a reality in the not too distant future.”