RENOVATIONS to the listed Brewery Bridge at Bridport have been approved.

The work, which has already started, will involve removing and replacing rivets and other parts, basic maintenance and fitting new coils to stop birds perching on the structure.

The single span bridge on Skilling Hill Road over the River Brit is an important route to and from the town centre for the nearby housing estate, leisure centre and St Mary’s school.

The original bridge was listed in 1975 and is dated as mid 19th century, with the iron bridge deck believed to have been replaced in 1992 with a concrete and steel tray and stone clad concrete and steel supports.

According to the council’s conservation officer the side iron panels and ornamental parapets appear to be the only historic elements retained.