A NEW bridge will replace an ageing structure in Charminster this summer in a move to prevent further flooding.

The current bridge, which is listed, has small arches and restricts the flow of the River Cerne through the village.

Dorset County Council says at times this has caused flooding and damage to properties and the listed parish church, particularly at the beginning of last year.

The Environment Agency and Dorset County Council have been working on a scheme to reduce the flooding. English Heritage have agreed that the existing listed bridge can be dismantled and rebuilt with much bigger arches to allow a better flow of water.

Other minor works in the churchyard will help keep water in the river and drainage works will manage the rainwater and groundwater.

Work on the new bridge is planned to start in May and is expected to last several months, with the road closed to both vehicles and pedestrians.

The scheme design has been developed in discussion with the church, the local community and key organisations such as English Heritage and West Dorset District Council. The replacement bridge is intended to reflect the character of the existing bridge, using as many of the original bricks as possible. The existing historic parapets will be carefully stored and re-used on the new bridge.

Andrew Martin, the county council’s head of highways, said: “We are pleased that agreements have been reached that allows us to rebuild the bridge and alleviate flooding in this village.

“We are hoping to provide a temporary footbridge to give residents access to the church and school via East Hill.”

The new road surface will be higher than existing by 30cm. This will enable all traffic to continue using the bridge whilst accommodating the bigger arches.

Nick Lyness, The Environment Agency’s Flood Risk Manager, said: "We are very happy that following last year’s damaging flooding, and the previous flooding in 2000, all parties have successfully worked together to reach a good solution for the village of Charminster.’’

The road closure is planned to be lifted in October, but some traffic management may be needed to finish work on the parapet or embankments.