VILLAGERS have welcomed a £350,000 scheme to replace a 19th Century railway bridge.

A recent structural assessment of the bridge in Escomb Lane, near Bishop Auckland, revealed that it was sub-standard.

Durham County Council announced plans to demolish the bridge and rebuild it.

The structure, which was built in 1885, is the only route in and out of the small village of Escomb.

It needs to be reconstructed to cope with the pressures of modern traffic flows.

Work will start on Monday and the new bridge will be built on the same line as the existing one.

Last night Councillor Derek Jago, who represents the village on Wear Valley District Council, said he was happy with the plans.

He said: "Anything that is of benefit to the village is fine by me.

"People need to have access in and out of the village. We have the pub and the Saxon church and people need to be able to visit those. The church relies on tourists to support its upkeep."

The bridge spans the Weardale Railway, which will hopefully be refurbished in the near future.

Coun Jago said the work would also complement plans to reopen the line.

A temporary bailey bridge controlled by traffic lights will ensure that access to the village is maintained during the work.

The new structure will be wider than its predecessor, allowing two vehicles to pass with ease. A footway will also be provided.

Burney Johnson, head of design services in Durham County Council's environment and technical services department, said: "We have worked closely with Railtrack and the public utility companies in the design and preparation of the scheme.

"We will ensure that access to the village remains at all times, both for pedestrians and motorists, and while there will be some disruption to residents during the works, it will be kept to a minimum.''

The work is being undertaken by the council's Service Direct workers in conjunction with a main contractor. It is expected to be completed by March next year.