THE mediaeval bridge between Huntingdon and Godmanchester should soon be repaired. The 13th century structure was seriously damaged nearly a year ago when a lorry collided with one of the parapets, sending tonnes of ancient stonework cascading into the Ri

THE mediaeval bridge between Huntingdon and Godmanchester should soon be repaired.

The 13th century structure was seriously damaged nearly a year ago when a lorry collided with one of the parapets, sending tonnes of ancient stonework cascading into the River Great Ouse.

Most of the stone was recovered by divers early this year, but it has taken several months for English Heritage to agree the restoration plan by Cambridgeshire County Council, which owns the structure, and for the Environment Agency to be consulted on a blockade of the river to enable the work to be carried out without danger to boat-users.

English Heritage's agreement in principle is expected this week, but the conservation body also has to approve the materials the contractors plan to use in the restoration work.

"We have a contractor and scaffolder ready to go as soon as we get agreement on the materials," said a county council spokesman. Although much of the old stone will be replaced, some of it was damaged in the impact.

It is not yet known how long the work will take, and a traffic management system will operate during the work - probably controlled by temporary traffic lights. Work is likely to be suspended during peak traffic periods.

The county council expects to recover the costs - likely to total several thousand pounds - from the lorry driver's insurers.