WIMBORNE'S long-awaited footbridge has opened to the public.

The bridge, which links the Crown Mead shopping precinct to Willow Walk and Waitrose, was opened by the chairman of East Dorset District Council, Councillor David Shortell.

Its construction was a condition of the supermarket's planning permission.

Cllr Shortell was joined by the deputy mayor of Wimborne, Cllr Terry Wheeler, ward councillor David Morgan and Neil Pettefer, an engineer working for the district council.

The project was managed by the district council in partnership with land owners Waitrose.

Cllr Shortell said: "It is great that the bridge is now open for the public and I would like to thank all officers involved for their efforts during the planning and construction process.’"

He thanked Crown Mead landowners Lewis Investment for their support.

The Daily Echo reported in April 2011 that plans for a footbridge were made a condition for the approval of the supermarket.

Two years later, it was reported that Waitrose had to pay £180,000 to East Dorset District Council to be used ‘for the benefit of the town’.

Delays have been caused by legal issues, but council members hope that finally the bridge may lead to increased footfall in the town.