A MID Devon bridge which was destroyed in floods in late 2012 has been reinstated.

The original Waterstave Bridge, near Bradninch, which was built in the nineteenth century, was partially swept away following heavy rainfall and flooding on November 21, 2012.

The extent of the damage meant that the remainder of the Grade Two Listed bridge was irreparable and unsafe, and was subsequently de-listed and demolished.

It has been replaced with a new structure which has been constructed over the past six months. It uses concrete beams supported by reinforced concrete piled abutments and has been designed to improve resilience in future flood events The new £450,000 bridge over the river Culm re-connects Bradninch and the B3181 to the east of the village.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management and Flood Prevention, said: “We have always been committed to reinstating this bridge and we’re pleased that it has now been completed and opened.

"It’s an important, well-used link for the local community.

"The construction of the new bridge is the latest “legacy” funded project to replace or repair highway structures damaged during the storms of 2012/13, and it highlights our ongoing efforts to recover from those devastating flooding events.”

Councillor John Berry, Devon County Councillor for Cullompton Rural, said: “Local people in Bradninch and the surrounding area who used the bridge in the past will be highly delighted that the County Council has built this new bridge.

"It will help journey times return to normal and improve convenience for everyone using this important route.”

Devon’s 8,000 mile highway network sustained around £18 million of damage during the major flood events in 2012/13.

Despite the County Council spending more than £12 million in the immediate aftermath on clearing debris and carrying out repairs, it was left with a 'legacy' of more than £5.5 million of outstanding work to be carried out in the coming years.

The work was carried out by contractor South West Highways (SWH Ltd).