A LINK bridge on a well-worn footpath in Cinderford has finally been reinstated following delays caused by the pandemic.

The replacement bridge at Ruspidge Halt, formerly Linear Park, has been installed thanks to the combined efforts of Forestry England, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and Cinderford Regeneration Environment Forum.

The installation had been long-awaited by regular walkers after the old bridge was removed in 2017, with Forestry England finding it to be in “bad shape” when it took over the management of the site.

Leoni Dawson, Community Ranger at Forestry England said: “When we took over the management for Ruspidge Halt in 2017, the bridges onsite were in bad shape and on inspection, in far worse condition than we had initially thought.

“With limited budgets we were unable to replace them all in one go and this particular bridge had to be taken away.

“Since then, we have been keen to reinstate this bridge leading to Valley Road and are really pleased that this has now come to fruition.”

The replacement bridge was delivered as part of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust’s ERDF Wild Town’s Project, which aims to enhance biodiversity and access in seven Gloucestershire towns.

Will Masefield, ERDF Wild Towns Project Manager, said: “We are thrilled that our ERDF Wild Towns Project doesn’t just connect important habitats for nature, but also connects people to nature, and this footbridge will help people in Cinderford to more easily access Ruspidge Halt.

“It has been a joint project, with several parties working together, and we’re grateful to all for making it happen.”

The group also wanted to thank contractors Ecosulis Ltd and Derek W Hancox Ltd for stepping in to complete the project after it was disrupted by Covid restrictions last year.

Councillor Tim Holder, Chair of the Cinderford Regeneration Environment Forum, said: “The replacement bridge is great news for Cinderford.

“The project has re-created positive links for people to enjoy the areas natural environment.

“The Environment Forum has been very pleased to support this project.”