RESIDENTS of Rattery and Dean Prior gathered over the weekend to mark the opening of the replacement Drybridge over the A38.

The bridge, which connects the two villages, was finally reopened after the £1.9million project was completed by the Highways Agency.

The two villages had been without a bridge to link them since the original one was demolished in early November due to it suffering from 'concrete cancer' and corrosion.

Residents and businesses from both communities had to fight for the replacement bridge after the Highway Agency's initial analysis of traffic data did not demonstrate enough need to justify a replacement.

However, a determined campaign by Rattery Parish Council involving responses from 160 residents and businesses eventually succeeded in persuading the Highways Agency that without a bridge many farm tractors and equipment would have to use the A38 at what is already a congested spot.

The bridge also carries an important cycle route across the A38 to Dartmoor.

The opening was carried out by Elaine Rothwell, the village's senior resident at 90 year's old, and Daniel Causey, one of the youngest. 

Peter Smerdon, Rattery parish council chairman and South Hams district councillor for South Brent ward, said: 'We are really pleased to finally have the bridge replaced. It is a very important link across the A38 for our community.

'Access to the village has been difficult while it has been out of action.

'We are indebted to the Highways Agency for allocating the funds to replace it.'