Repairs and refurbishment of a historic Victorian footbridge have been temporarily paused.

Work had started in September last year, with a road and footpath in Lowestoft set to be closed for almost eight months.

However, a £1m scheme of extensive works to the 19th century Jubilee Bridge - a designated listed structure - has been put on hold.

Lowestoft Journal: The 19th century Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft.

The bridge - which runs from Belle Vue Park over The Ravine - has been temporarily closed since safety concerns were raised during an inspection in December 2020.

Lowestoft Journal: Safety concerns had been raised during an inspection of the Jubilee Bridge, which runs from Belle Vue Park over The Ravine in Lowestoft.

In October 2021, East Suffolk Council and Lowestoft Town Council confirmed they were working together to finalise a "programme of repairs" to the Victorian footbridge that was built in 1887 to celebrate the golden jubilee of Queen Victoria.

Lowestoft Journal: The inscription on the 19th century Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft.

Plans were lodged with East Suffolk Council in December 2021 to "repair and refurbish the acknowledged designated heritage asset" which was suffering "substantial decay and corrosion."

A month later East Suffolk's scrutiny committee looked at £1m of funding being allocated for structural works and refurbishment.

In February last year the repair scheme for the bridge - which has been listed since 1993 - was approved.

Lowestoft Journal: Repair work has been paused. Picture: Mick HowesRepair work has been paused. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

A scheme of "extensive" works started last September and was due to continue until May 12.

However, work has been temporarily paused.

Lowestoft Journal: Repair work has been halted. Picture: Mick HowesRepair work has been halted. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

An East Suffolk Council spokesman said: "Following unforeseen delays, East Suffolk Council is hopeful that work to repair and refurbish the ravine bridge will recommence shortly.

Lowestoft Journal: The bridge in the early 1900s. Picture: Ivan BunnThe bridge in the early 1900s. Picture: Ivan Bunn (Image: Ivan Bunn)

 

"During the blast cleaning phase of the works, areas of the bridge were uncovered which showed greater corrosion than had been anticipated in key structural areas of the bridge.

"These levels of damage indicated that it was unsafe to continue work until additional structural support was provided to the bridge.

"An ESC-appointed engineer, the appointed contractor and a temporary works designer are currently considering proposals which will enable work to restart and are close to agreeing and installing a new and more resilient scaffold system."