New bridge to open after delays

Residents have been reassured that a project to erect a new bridge over the River Derwent in Derby is almost finished after a six-month delay.

The bridge project, which is part of a £4m regeneration of the Cathedral Green area of the city, is in the grounds of an old power station.

The cables that run to and from the old facility did not show up on maps so extra work had to be carried out.

Developers said the bridge should be open by mid-October.

River walk

Chief executive of the Derby Cityscape project, John Caldwallader, said the delay would not have much of a cost impact on the development, despite the government pulling some funding because of the delay.

"The impact of the additional funding is relatively small," he said.

"While it's something we could have done without, in the long-term, it won't cause a big issue.

"We are anxious to see delivery of the regeneration of the whole city centre and this is an important scheme within that.

"The April date was probably a little artificial...but I think we should look forward and this is an excellent scheme now that will bring lots of lots of people down to the river."

The regeneration also includes landscaped gardens, new lighting and better seating.