The footbridge over the River Lea from the Ware Library car park will be closed for two weeks while it undergoes essential improvement work. The bridge will be completely removed during its refurbishment.

The work is due to start on Monday August 13 and finished on Friday August 24.

On Wednesday August 15 and Wednesday August 22 the bridge will be lifted out and then put back into position so the library car park will be closed on those two days.

Following detailed surveys the bridge is being completely refurbished and some parts which are beyond repair will be replaced.  

Malcolm Alexander, Executive member for community safety and environment, said: “These essential works will ensure that this important crossing point over the River Lea will remain safe and serviceable for many more years.”

In order to keep disruption to a minimum the council is carrying out the work during school holidays. Ware Town Council also said the August fortnight would be the least disruptive to its summer events programme.

The council considered carrying out the works with the bridge in position but following discussions with British Waterways (now Canal & River Trust) and council consultants, concluded that it would be safer to remove it completely.

Advanced notice of the works will be put up around the town centre with suggested alternative routes via Amwell End and the High Street to the east and Ware Lock and Priory Street to the west.