A temporary footbridge has been opened to reconnect the east and west sides of Tadcaster in North Yorkshire.

Balfour Beatty has been selected to repair the main Tadcaster Bridge after it partially collapsed due to flooding and bad weather over the Christmas period.

The temporary bridge, which was assembled in sections and then pushed across the river, spans 1.8 metres wide and 67 metres in length.

Neil Beck, Balfour Beatty Operations Director, said: "We are delighted to be working with North Yorkshire County Council on the Tadcaster Bridge, which will reunite the East and West side of the town, re-establishing vital links for residents and local businesses.


"Given the importance of the river crossing to the local community we have utilised our expertise to construct and install a temporary footbridge spanning over the River Wharfe in less than six weeks.

"Working closely with North Yorkshire County Council we have commenced work on the existing road bridge which is a key transport route through the town and vital to the local economy.

"Support from the local residents has been overwhelming and we are working as quickly as we can to repair the damage caused by the floods at the end of December."

Repairs to the main bridge are expected to take 12 months.

[Pictured: The damaged Tadcaster Bridge after winter storms

(LM/JP)