RESIDENTS, council members and developers turned out this morning for the official opening of the Diglis Bridge.

Members of the public gathered on both sides of the bridge, at Lower Wick and Diglis, to watch Councillor Derek Prodger, Mayor of Worcester, Mike Layland and the leaders of Worcester City and Worcestershire County Councils cut the ribbon at 11am.

The ribbon was cut on the Lower Wick side of the bridge, and people on that side became the first people to officially walk across it before the group opened it to people on the other side.

Pupils from Cherry Orchard, St Clements, Pitmaston and Northwick Manor Primary Schools were also at the opening and were excited to be some of the first people to walk across £2m bridge.

As previously reported in your Worcester News, the bridge links Navigation Road in Diglis with Lower Wick, connecting the cycling and walking paths on either side of the river.

The structure - a joint scheme between the county council and sustainable transport charity Sustrans - will also help to improve connections between St John’s and Cherry Orchard, Red Hill and St Peter’s.

Jackie Carey, of Yates Hay Road, Malvern, said: “I think it’s absolutely beautiful. It gives us a whole new perspective on the Worcester landscape. The views from the bridge are absolutely marvellous, the positioning of it was very well thought out.

“I live in Malvern and I think it’s really opened up the prospect of cycling from Malvern to the centre of Worcester, which was a problem.”

Lisa Ventura, of Cormorant Rise, Lower Wick, said: “As a resident I think it’s wonderful. I walk my dogs this way all the time. It’s a great link and I think I’ll be leaving my car at home a lot more now when I go into town.”

Marion Main, of Bromwich Road, said: “I think it’s absolutely wonderful, there are so many people here. I think everyone’s going to love it.

“I think it’s lovely the children are here because it’s their future.”

Coun Prodger, the county council's cabinet member for transport, said: “I think it’s been a very special day because so many people came to the official opening. It was a little bit emotional to see them all here for this very special occasion.

“I’m absolutely delighted. It’s a beautiful looking bridge and all part of sustainable travel. I’m a very happy man.”

• See tomorrow's Worcester News for more pictures from the opening.