BASILDON'S two MPs have welcomed news that  Varde Bullers rail track footbridge in Laindon is due to reopen on Friday, 26 August.

In May Basildon Nub News reported on concerns of Billericay & Basildon MP John Baron  and his South Basildon constituency colleague Stephen Metcalfe over the bridge's closure. 

The bridge was originally closed in October 2020 as it was unsafe for pedestrians.

Work began on the bridge on Monday, 23 May) but could only take place when trains were not running, work therefore happening at night and weekends. 

Welcoming news of a reopening date Mr Baron said: "This footbridge has been closed for far too long, causing inconvenience to local residents. It is disappointing that the original planned reopening on 12 July was missed but it is important that all safety considerations are met."

 Mr Metcalfe added: "Despite the delay, I am pleased this saga is coming to an end and that residents will once again have access to this important route to and from the station. Thanks to our collective efforts we can finally put this issue to bed."

 Local councillor Cllr Kevin Wingfield also welcomed the news, saying: "Following our meeting with Network Rail in May, residents were relieved to hear that works would finally be getting underway to repair the bridge after months of delays. 

"The slippage in completion date is frustrating, but we recognise safety has to come first. Let's make sure the job gets done properly and we can all looking forward to being able to use the bridge again soon."