A TOWN centre bridge has reopened to traffic after strengthening work was completed.

Stonebridge in Darlington has been closed for 23 weeks.

The bridge has been undergoing strengthening work since October 2015, with a break in December for festive traffic.

Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for leisure, the environment and highways, said: “I am delighted to see the bridge re-open to traffic.

"Shoppers and town centre retailers can rest assured that this important link to the main centre is strong again, and has been designed to last another 120 years.

"I look forward to seeing the aesthetic improvements in the summer.”