Pedestrians will be able to take the direct route over a river in Tewkesbury after more than a year of taking the long way round.

The listed Swilgate footbridge, which provides pedestrian access over the River Swilgate between Perry Hill and Howells Road, has been closed since April due to structural concerns,

Deteriorating brickwork forced the closure but plans which include rebuilding the flood relief arch, steelwork repairs, painting, anti-slip surfacing and a refurbished iron desk have been approved by Tewkesbury Borough Council.

Work cannot be started until June 15 because the river is protected for spawning fish until that and is expected to last a few months.

Another footbridge in the town faces being removed with damage too severe to repair.

The Legion footbridge connecting Priors Park and Tewkesbury has also been closed since April and will be removed and replaced.

Plans are being finalised for a temporary footpath with Gloucestershire County Council, Tewkesbury Borough Council and the Environment Agency working on licences for the work.

Councillor Vernon Smith, Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member for highways, said: "We appreciate it's been inconvenient having these footbridges closed but it was important to do so to ensure public safety.

"It's great news that Swilgate will have a full refurbishment this summer and we are working closely with our partners to ensure the Legion footbridge can be removed and replaced."