WATCHET'S long awaited new railway footbridge was winched into place this week and is set to provide a safe walkway link across the town for the first time in almost two years.

The largely re-fabricated structure will not be officially open to the public until next Saturday (November 26) but its arrival was greeted with delight by local people.

The former rusting bridge had to be taken down because of safety fears but its absence has made access between the two sides of the town difficult.

West Somerset Council, which owns the structure, has invested around £100,000 into its replacement, with just a tiny percentage of the old bridge able to be refurbished.

But district council chairman Cllr Tony Knight, who represents Watchet on the authority, launched his own fundraising appeal to pay for a set of Victorian-style lamps and safety guard rails.

His determined efforts mean the £7,000 cost of the authentic 'extras' has almost been met, with just a £400 shortfall to be found.

Cllr Knight told Watchet Town Council on Monday that people who had contributed to the appeal would be the first to cross the bridge on the day of the opening, with the biggest donor cutting the ribbon.

"Many people have said how delighted they are to see the bridge's safe return as it is truly a traditional part of Watchet's history," he said.

Cllr Knight said he had been very impressed by the professionalism of Steelway, the specialist bridge manufacturers who have carried out the work.

And he said he wanted to thank West Somerset Railway for its co-operation.

Although the bridge is being installed during the WSR's closed season, a locomotive will steam in for the opening ceremony, against a backdrop of music provided by Watchet Town Band.

WSR general manager Paul Conibeare said the presence of the train would mark the railway's support for what had been a huge community project.

"It is great to see the bridge going back up so that people can cross safely into the town, particularly as we have had some taking shortcuts and crossing the rails rather than using the dedicated crossing.

"The footbridge is part of the character of the station, which has stood here for 149 years and we are over the moon that it will be fully operational for our 150 year anniversary celebrations next March."