RESIDENTS of an East Lancashire village have got their 187-year bridge back after almost three years — at a cost of £410,000.

Ogden Bridge provided the only access for 100 homes in part of Irwell Vale until September 2014.

Since then, residents have had to use a temporary structure to get to and from their properties.

Lancashire County Council employed Eric Wright Ltd to repair and improve the bridge, built in 1830.

The original arch has been incorporated into the design of the revamped structure which has an improved pedestrian walkway and extra room for vehicles to manoeuvre.

Rossendale South county councillor Anne Cheetham said: “This is very welcome and a very nice job they have done too.

“It was originally damaged by floods but work on it failed to make it safe and then it was further damaged by floods in 2015.

“Villagers have had a very hard time without a proper bridge and I am glad it is now fully back in use.”

Cllr Keith Iddon, Lancashire County Council cabinet member for highways, said: “This bridge provided a vital link for the local community.

“However it had fallen into disrepair and people have had to rely on a temporary bridge, until essential repairs could be made.

“The bridge is now open once again, and is much safer and easier to use for drivers and pedestrians.

“The improvements have brought the bridge up to a standard where it can be adopted and maintained by the county council as part of our highways network.

“Ogden Bridge is the second of three in the village to be improved, with work on the Irwell Vale Bridge completed in 2016, and work on the Lumb Edenfield bridge set to begin in 2019.

“The new bridge is also much safer and easier to use for drivers and people on foot, and allows more water to flow underneath, which will help ensure the level in the river Ogden below doesn’t get too high.”