Replacement for demolished footbridge finally opens

A new footbridge has opened over the River Adur more than two years after its unsafe predecessor was closed to the public.

White Bridge, which links communities in Steyning, Upper Beeding and Bramber, was shut in August 2023 after being deemed "beyond economic repair" by West Sussex County Council.

Its closure forced pedestrians to walk alongside a busy road, and demolition work on the structure began in July.

The unveiling of its replacement on Friday was attributed to a concerted effort by local residents.

"The community pushing for this is what made it happen," said Roger Potter, chair of the White Bridge Link Project, after the ribbon cutting ceremony had taken place.

"Our committed team of volunteers worked very well with the council in getting this done."

Situated near King's Barn Lane, the original bridge was installed in 1903, but a recent structural report highlighted "severe corrosion" within.

It recommended pedestrians stop using the bridge "for the foreseeable future" until a substitute was put in place.

The replacement project also included resurfacing works around the bridge on the east side of the river.

The new bridge was funded by the council's capital delivery budget, while the footpath improvements were supported by local community groups.

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