A BRAND new £112,000 bridge over the canal in Tavistock is due to be opened next week — after years of lobbying by Monksmead residents.

The swing bridge, built by Devon and Cornwall Housing Association, means pedestrians can walk into the town using the canal towpath, avoiding main roads and traffic.

Monksmead Residents' Association has been battling for some time to get a bridge built over the canal.

Elizabeth Gilchrist, secretary of the association, said: 'This bridge is the fulfilment of all the hard work done by the committee over the last few years.

'It will provide a vital link by making access to the town centre and avoiding traffic a reality rather than a dream.

Funding for the work came from the Housing Association, Sustrans, South Devon and Dartmoor Leader II and West Devon Borough Council.

Colin Shaw, Housing Association chief executive, said: 'We are delighted to have provided such an important and useful feature for the residents in Monksmead.

'The bridge is an example of our commitment to the community and shows what can be achieved by working together with partner organisations.'

David Incoll, borough council chief executive, said all parties worked hard to ensure the bridge was built.

'Special thanks should go to the Housing Association, Sustrans and the Leader II European fund for providing the funds and expertise,' he said.

'We like to think of ourselves as a forward thinking local authority and we are continually looking for ways in which the quality of life for our residents can be improved.'

The bridge and towpath forms part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network running between north and south Devon.

The path is being widened to make it accessible for wheelchairs — street lighting is also to be added.

The bridge will be officially opened by the mayor of West Devon Cllr Christine Grills at 3pm on August 15, when a celebratory release of balloons will accompany the ceremony.

The event also commemorates the completion of a housing development of nine bungalows and houses for rent to local people.