Medieval bridge is to be replaced

The old bridge is a listed ancient monument

A 750-year-old bridge in Oxfordshire weakened by heavy lorries which use it as a short-cut is to be replaced.

A 1996 survey showed that the 13th-Century bridge that carries the A415 Abington to Witney road over the Thames had become "structurally weak".

An 18-tonne weight restriction was imposed and a frequency inspection regime introduced to ensure the safety of the general public.

The county council is hoping to buy land in Newbridge for a new crossing.

Oxfordshire Highways carried out an evaluation of a possible six routes for the new bridge and have settled on one.

Crossing the river some 250m (273yds) upstream from its current position, the chosen route is favoured by the Environmental Agency as it avoids a flood prone area.

The old bridge is unable to be reconstructed or strengthened because it is a protected listed monument.