A HISTORIC bridge has opened following repairs to damage caused by HGVs.

Hobb Lane Bridge in Moore was damaged due to HGVs taking the wrong diversion when the Daresbury Expressway was closed last year.

It is described as a ‘vital road link’ and its closure has had an impact on residents with journeys from one side of Moore to the other being described as ‘virtually impossible’.

The lorries that damaged the structure should not have been using the historic bridge, which is subject to a 7.5 tonnes limit.

Cllr Mike Ryan, for Daresbury, Moore and Sandymoor, publicly demanded action from the The Bridgewater Canal Company Ltd, which is responsible for the grade II-listed structure.

He was backed by fellow councillors and Labour candidate for Runcorn and Helsby, Mike Amesbury.

Now, the bridge has been repaired and is back open.

Cllr Ryan said: “We’re really pleased the bridge is open and I’m grateful for the support we had from Mike Amesbury, our MP at the time and now our Labour candidate.

“We worked together really well, along with Moore Parish Council.

“It’s local people uniting over a common aim and effecting real change. Little things can make big differences to people in their everyday lives.

“The bridge being shut split the village in two. The journey by vehicle into Moore from the other side of the closure was virtually impossible.

“It was also difficult to get onto Chester Road, certainly for people turning right down to the motorway because it’s a fast road. It’s made a real difference being back open.

“It’s a vital link.”

Mike Amesbury said: ‘I was more than happy to support Cllr Ryan over this important local issue. I’m pleased to see the beautiful old bridge over the canal is now repaired and open once again.”

Hobb Lane will be closed from Monday, June 17, for three days between 8am and 5pm to allow for unconnected resurfacing work.