A new £1.5m footbridge has officially opened in Birstall, Leicester, today, 14 January.

The new 50-metre structure is located across the A6 dual carriageway from the Hallam Fields estate to the Birstall Park & Ride site.

It also provides a footway and cycleway link to Cedars Academy.

Further work will also extend the footway and cycleway to Wanlip.

Mountsorrel-based contractor Danaher & Walsh Civil Engineering completed the project with funding from Leicestershire housebuilder Jelson Homes as part of their extensive Hallam Fields residential development.

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Marking the opening of the bridge, a ribbon was cut by Cedars Academy's Executive Principal Laura Sanchez.

She said: "This bridge will make a massive difference to the local community, as well as the young people who attend Cedars Academy.

"It will allow for safe crossing of a very busy road, whilst also connecting our school with Hallam Fields."

Ann Carruthers, Director of Environment & Transport at Leicestershire County Council, added: "I'm delighted that the Birstall footbridge is officially open to the public.

"The bridge will provide a safer route for schoolchildren to walk to school as well as provide easier access to the new Hallam Fields Estate and the Birstall Park and Ride services for those looking for a great way to travel into the city centre."

(CM/MH)