A HISTORIC stone bridge which was shut for more than four months has re-opened to the public.

Network Rail and contractors Murphy have been upgrading the Overhouse Bridge since the start of September, which has lead to the closure of part of Green Arms Road in Chapeltown.

The bridge's parapets have been replaced, new kerbs have been installed and the pavements have been resurfaced.

The bridge officially reopened to motorists on Friday but an official launch was held yesterday.

North Turton Councillor Jean Rigby, who attended the launch, said the contractors had done a “fantastic job.”

She added: “The bridge looks really good, it is very different to how it looked before but it is something that really needed to be done.

“The bridge is future proof and they have managed to do all the stone work underneath which is great.”

Cllr Rigby said she was particularly pleased that the new bridge will be able to facilitate improvements for local residents including upgraded broadband cables running through the area.

She said: “These new services will be good news for residents who have been very patient while the road closure has been in place.”

The closure of Green Arms Road caused particular problems for certain people, with one publican describing road signs which diverted drivers on a detour as “farcical”.

Richard Greenwood, landlord of the Chetham Arms said a succession of signs put in place sent pub-goers the wrong way and cost him about a quarter of his business during the period of work.

Mr Greenwood expressed his displeasure at the situation with a comical Benny Hill style video that went viral.

He said he was “very relieved” to see the bridge re-open and the signs taken down.

He added: “The signs took people on a five mile diversion that was just not necessary and in the end actually took drivers to the closed road, it was ridiculous.

“I have just refurbished the pub and normally you would expect that to lead to a big footfall but that didn’t happen because of this, I think we have lost out on about 25 per cent of our usual takings.

“But we are open now and fully refurbished and looking forward to welcoming people in.”