A HISTORIC canal bridge has been restored after it fell into disrepair. 

The 250-year-old Porters Mill canal bridge near Droitwich was brought back to its former glory.

The restoration works included the complete rebuilding of the masonry wing wall and spandrel, the triangle shape between the top of an arch and the wall.

READ MORE: Celebrity chef and Worcestershire man record an album together

Worcestershire County Council and its contractor, Ringway Limited, have carried out the work.

Last year Porters Mill canal bridge was labelled one of five bridges in Worcestershire unable to carry heavy vehicles.

Out of 815 bridges in the area, Worcestershire County Council identified five which were unable to carry the heaviest vehicles regularly using highways, including lorries up to 44 tonnes.

READ MORE: Canal side pub goes from one to five-star food hygiene rating

The RAC Foundation said the threat of more severe weather due to climate change could lead to dangerous collapses on Britain's highways and urged councils to address unsuitable bridges.

Councillor Mike Rouse, cabinet member with Responsibility for Highways and Transport, said: “Porters Mill Bridge provides important vehicle and pedestrian access across the canal for local businesses, farmers, and residents, so it is essential that it is maintained and fit for purpose.  

"Whilst restoring the bridge, we fully retained the bridge’s appearance and character, including using the original stone masonry. 

"We did need to close the bridge to vehicles and pedestrians and the canal to boaters navigating the canal to ensure that everyone was kept safe.

"However, both are now fully open for use.

"I’d like to thank everybody for their patience during the refurb.” 

Porters Mill canal bridge is a historic Grade-II structure constructed to cross the Droitwich Barge Canal, which was opened in 1771 to link Droitwich Spa to the River Severn at Hawford.   

The Droitwich barge canal was originally built to carry salt from Droitwich, however, with the rise of the railways the last boat to use the barge canal was in 1916 before it was finally abandoned in 1939.

Following a local campaign to reinstate the canal, it was fully restored and reopened in 2010.