A FOOTBRIDGE connecting two rural villages has been refurbished in a scheme completed by East Sussex County Council.

The 50 ft long steel-framed bridge crosses a stream running through fields between Vines Cross and Warbleton, near Heathfield.

The bridge was closed for around a week while rangers from the council’s rights of way and countryside team removed and replaced the structure’s wooden decking and steps leading to it.

The refurbishment was initiated after local walkers reported one of the wooden boards was broken, prompting a full inspection of the bridge.

Cllr Carl Maynard, East Sussex County Council lead member for transport and environment, said: “This bridge is part of a very popular walking route locally so it was important that we acted quickly.

“When they inspected the bridge, our rangers found that most of the wooden deck boards were deteriorating, some quite badly, so a decision was made to replace them all.

“We’ve had some very positive feedback from walkers who have welcomed the swift work carried out and the high quality of the repairs to a very well-used bridge.”