THREE old stone bridges connecting a Rossendale community to the rest of the world are to undergo £782,000 repairs.

Lancashire County Council has agreed to fund the much-needed structural work on Ogden Bridge, Irwell Vale Bridge, and Lumb Bridge.

More than 100 households in Irwell Vale rely on the bridges to get to the public road network, and beyond.

The three structures are privately owned, but their increasing need for maintenance has led to the decision by County Hall chiefs to intervene and carry out the necessary repairs.

Cabinet member for highways and transport, County Coun Tim Ashton has agreed to spend around £782,000 on repairs, strengthening, and rebuilding work, to all three bridges.

Daniel Herbert, highways manager for Rossendale, said: “The county council has been aware of the problems with the bridges in Irwell Vale and has been involved in discussions with the residents to try and find a resolution.

“It has become clear that it is highly unlikely the work would be carried out by any party other than the county council.

“There is an increasing risk that a sizeable community could lose access to the public road network as the bridges deteriorate and become unsafe, which is why the county council has now decided to take action.

“It makes sense to maintain Ogden Bridge in public ownership, not only to protect our investment in repairing it, but to ensure people can always use it in future.

“The residents of Irwell Vale will be delighted the county council is investing in the future of their community and this invest-ment will put an end to worry for a lot of people about continued access to their homes.”

Planning and design work is well underway and work should begin later this year, with the aim of completing towards the end of 2013.