Resort's landmark bridge re-opens

The footbridge, a tourist attraction since it was first opened in 1827, was in need of extensive repairs to its decking and walkway supports.

The cost of the scheme had been estimated at 608,000, but that rose by 100,000 because the work was carried out during the worst winter for three decades.

North Yorkshire County Council had hoped to re-open the footbridge last week, but a delay in deliveries of anti-slip surfacing forced contractors to fence it off.

The county council's executive member for highways, Coun John Fort, said: "We are hoping that this work will make the bridge good for another 100 years, so it remains a much-loved feature of the Scarborough townscape."

The structure opened on July 19, 1827, to provide a link between the Spa and the St Nicholas Cliff area. It is 414ft long and 13.5ft wide, and crosses the valley at a height of about 75ft.