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Bridge reopens eight months after flood damage

Maisie Lillywhite
BBC News, Gloucestershire
BBC A woman wearing a black and white gingham dress stands behind the counter at a pet food store. She has long black hair in a big top knot and sunglasses on her head. She is smiling. There are containers with dog treats and scoops behind her.BBC
Grace Williams, who works at a pet food store, is organising a celebration for Lydney's residents and businesses

Residents are holding a celebration for the reopening of a bridge, almost eight months on from when it was damaged by flooding and a crash.

The bridge on Newerne Street, Lydney, closed in November after Storm Bert swept floodwater through the Gloucestershire town. In December, a car hit the bridge, causing further damage.

It was partly reopened in January but fully reopened on Friday after weeks of repair work, with the community planning a celebratory fun day on Saturday.

Joe Harris, from Gloucestershire County Council, thanked residents for their patience.

Grace Williams from Knockley Pet Foods, which overlooks the bridge, said Saturday morning's festivities were being held to thank those who supported the business.

"Our customers are amazing and they did continue to support us, we know it was really difficult to get to us," she said.

"A lot of the other businesses weren't so lucky... town itself has been really quiet.

"We're definitely relieved that it's open, it's going to be a lot easier."

A silver Mercedes and a dark purple Fiat 500 drive past one another in a small town. There is construction to the left side of the bridge and a white car is trying to pull out of a junction near the construction works. A Lidl supermarket can be seen on the other side of the road. It is an overcast but hot day.
Cars travelling in both directions can now use the bridge on Newerne Street without waiting at temporary lights

Kirsty Scott, who owns refill shop Forest Friendly on Newerne Street, said the bridge opening was "perfect timing" for the summer holidays and tourist season.

"Business owners are [relieved], definitely, and I think people who own hot cars in this hot weather are too," she said.

"It's been eventful and I've seen a lot of traffic sitting outside. It seems quieter today because it's flowing in both directions."

A woman with black hair and glasses wears a black top and a colourful apron with leaves on it as she stands in the doorway of her refill shop. Large bottles of liquid with big pumps can be seen inside the shop and there are scarecrows, shelving, and signs in the window.
Kirsty Scott said the reopening of the bridge was "perfect timing" for summer

Joe Harris said "final work" to the bridge wall would be completed off-road, without causing traffic disruption.

"I do appreciate the impact of the closure on local residents and businesses and thank you again for your patience while we completed the essential repairs," he said.

"Thanks also to the team who tackled this challenging job which included diving below the bridge to check for structural damage."

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