WORK on a historic stone bridge looks set to be completed by the end of November, a councillor has said.

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

Network Rail scheduled up to 26 weeks to complete the work, which includes replacing the parapets, installing new kerbs and resurfacing the pavement, but Cllr Jean Rigby, the North Turton councillor on Blackburn with Darwen Council, said they were making good progress.

She added: “So far things seem to be going to schedule and it’s looking like the end of November when the work will be complete.

“All the perceived problems with the work were resolved before work started — refuse collection was a major one, as was linking up the cross-boundary services with the fire brigade.

“The contractors Murphys have been very good, and they are very keen to give something back to the community and are discussing various schemes they can be involved in.

“There is work going on on the bridge in the evenings at weekends.

“The company is very on the ball and I’ve never known a contractor to bend over backwards and be so helpful to residents.”