Third river crossing is a step closer to reality

The scheme to provide a new foot and cycle bridge over the river Severn to link Diglis with Lower Wick has reached the shortlist for National Lottery funding.

If successful, the lottery's Connect2 fund will pay the whole £850,000 cost of the scheme.

Since the Worcester News revealed in February that the bid depends on public backing, hundreds of readers logged onto a website to pledge their support.

In fact the scheme received the second highest level of support, attracting 496 votes by Friday. Only a similar scheme to build a bridge in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, got more - with 800 votes. Lottery bosses were so impressed with the response, the bridge project has reached the final shortlist of 75.

No artist's impression has yet been drawn, but a detailed final bid will now be put together, to be submitted by December.

The project is a joint one between Worcestershire County Council and Worcester City Council, and would provide a major boost for the riverside setting.

Councillor Derek Prodger, Worcestershire's cabinet member for the environment, said: "I'm absolutely over the moon about this, because a new bridge really would be fantastic for the city of Worcester. It really is vital to create that link for pedestrians and cyclists. Making the final shortlist gives us a wonderful opportunity.

"I was told it was one of the most backed projects in the country, and I really couldn't believe it.

"We needed the backing of the people to make the final shortlist and I'm delighted they gave us their support."

The lottery has £25 million to share between the winning projects.

"It is not yet known how many of the finalists will be chosen, but winners will be notified in December and will then have five years to spend their cash.

Connect2 provides money for sustainable transport projects such as cycle and foot bridges.

The city council also made a bid for £25 million of national lottery funding one year ago, but it was rejected.