A TARDEBIGGE bridge which is more than 200 years old was recently re-opened after extensive restoration work since February, writes Melina Cannon.

The renovation of Bridge 50 on the Worcester and Birmingham Canal was the start of an ongoing programme which saw the renovation of three further bridges being completed, including Bridge 52 on the Tardebigge flight.

The bridge was re-opened on December 14 by Tony Harrison, chairman of the Inland Waterways Association's restoration committee, which contributed £1,000 towards the work, and the event was organised by the Worcester Birmingham Canal Society.

It was held to mark a partnership between the society, British Waterways and the Inland Waterways Association, which allowed the restoration work to be carried out.

A British Waterways spokesman said Bridge 50, quarter of a mile south of Halfway House Bridge on Upper Gambolds Lane, was in 'very poor condition' two years ago.

In February 2000, society members and volunteers from the Droitwich Canals Trust spent 120 hours clearing away the vegetation and British Waterways provided a shredder and operative.

The following summer the brickwork was repaired, parapet walls were rebuilt and new copings installed.