Members of the local community including walking groups, runners and cyclists joined representatives from Warwick District Council, their partner organisations and contractors to celebrate the opening of the new pedestrian and cycle bridge linking Radford Road and the Newbold Comyn country park and nature reserve.

The 3.5-metre-wide bridge, which was installed last month is wider than its predecessor and provides new access for wheelchair users and mobility scooters as well those wishing to get to the Comyn on foot or by bicycle. It also offers an extension to the Sustrans National Cycle Route 41.

For people living in the surrounding neighbourhoods, it’s been a long wait to get the crossing reinstated, since the enforced closure of the old bridge on safety grounds in August 2023. This is because the alteration of any structure under or over a river that could affect the flow of water required the permission of the Environment Agency.

In addition, due to its location in a nature reserve and within a flood plain the Council had to commission additional ecological surveys and adhere to the time restrictions in place to protect the native fish during their breeding season ahead of the commencement of any work.

Councillor Will Roberts, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services commented: “It’s wonderful to finally see a new and much improved Radford Road Bridge fully installed and open just in time for the festive season, once again offering access to and from Newbold Comyn and reconnecting this vital route south to north in Leamington. I was there on Wednesday and was pleased to see it is already being well used by the local community, who were extremely positive about it.

"I would like to pay tribute to my colleagues at Warwick District Council for their tenacity and hard work for getting the bridge delivered this year and also to contractors and other agencies involved throughout this challenging project My thanks also goes to members of the local community for their understanding and patience.

"I hope that you will take the opportunity to fully utilise your new bridge and enjoy a walk, run or cycle ride to Newbold Comyn over the holidays and for many years to come.” In the coming weeks the fencing will be completed along with a programme of landscaping and planting around the new bridge."