FREEZING winter temperatures have delayed the completion of desperately needed repair work to Wareham's South Bridge.

Work narrowing the carriageway and waterproofing the ailing structure began in September, when the bridge was completely closed, causing disruption to traffic.

But Dorset County Council admitted repairs to the parapets and walls of the bridge, which are shrouded in plastic, were more extensive than anticipated and have been further delayed because they can only be carried out in temperatures above five degrees centigrade.

The county council's bridge management engineer, Roger Beaven, said: "We will be putting some new pre-cast concrete blocks on top of the walls as well as finishing off the footpath resurfacing and putting the street lights back up.

"There will be some minor disruption to traffic because of the machinery needed to install the concrete blocks, but the road will remain open. Further repairs are also needed to the underside of the bridge, but this will not affect traffic on the road in. We hope to complete the repairs and remove the scaffolding by February 4."

Work has also begun improving pavements and surfaces in the latest phase of plans to enhance Wareham town centre.

The county council and Purbeck District Council have earmarked thousands of pounds for the project, which it is anticipated will be completed by Easter.

Existing pavement surfaces will be replaced with flagstones, which do not break up as quickly, and more dropped kerbs will be installed to improve access for people in wheelchairs.

Work replacing the traffic lights at The Cross will begin on March 6 and temporary signals will be set up for a week until the job is completed.