Braunton bridge opens at last

SHOPPERS in Braunton can now walk to the new Tesco store with the long anticipated opening of the bridge linking it to the Tarka Trail. Since the store opened last October, the bridge over the River Caen had been fenced off on the Station Road side due to

SHOPPERS in Braunton can now walk to the new Tesco store with the long anticipated opening of the bridge linking it to the Tarka Trail.Since the store opened last October, the bridge over the River Caen had been fenced off on the Station Road side due to outstanding planning issues of lighting and drainage.Villagers can now walk to the store from the centre of Braunton instead of going around via road to Velator.The bridge was provided by Tesco as one of the conditions for gaining approval for the store. North Devon Council planners requested lighting be installed and drainage issues resolved before the structure could be "signed off" and then handed over to Devon County Council as part of the footpath network.Further delay followed because the bridge is in a "bat corridor" and special LED lighting to illuminate the handrails, but not disturb the bats, had to be ordered.Councillor Jasmine Chesters, chairman of Braunton Parish Council, is pleased the matter has been resolved"Many have asked when the bridge would be open, but since it was out of my hands I had no answer except 'sometime soon,'" she said."Now people can walk to do a little shopping and those who have moved into new houses at Velator have better access to the village and all it has to offer.