CASH has been found to cover the cost of repairs to a listed footbridge over the River Lune - closed last month on safety grounds.

Lancashire County Council has secured £400,000 for the work.

And now its highways chief has promised the footbridge, which forms part of the Lancaster/Lune Valley cycleway at Crook O'Lune, will re-open as soon as possible.

Safety experts closed the bridge after a hole appeared in the deck. Further checks revealed that other repairs were needed at the structure, which was built in the 1800s.

County Cllr Jean Yates, Cabinet member for highways and transportation, says: "We are moving as quickly as possible to open the bridge. We are well aware people do not want to wait too long."

She says the delay is partly due to the costs having to be assessed by tender, and adds : "The bridge is also listed so plans will have to be approved by English Heritage. We can't give a date for re-opening."