WORK to repair an “eyesore” bridge in Halstead is a step closer as the town council prepares to take over ownership of the crossing.

Halstead Town Council has confirmed the process of purchasing the Riverside footbridge, which connects Riverside Court and the Chapel Street car park, is just a few weeks away from completion.

The bridge has been closed to residents for more than five years due to safety fears.

The bridge has been labelled an eyesore in the past but plans are underway to see the bridge repaired and brought back into use.

A working group led by the former mayor Andy Munday has worked on the plans and started implementing minor repairs.

The bridge is the property of the Crown Estates who have allowed the council to carry out some works while the two parties work on transferring ownership.

After months of work and negotiations, the council have said they hope to own the bridge in the next few weeks.

A council spokesman said: “Documents are currently being exchanged to ensure that Halstead Town Council can purchase the Riverside footbridge, and ensure that it is never again allowed to fall into disrepair or be closed.

“Halstead Town Council will buy the bridge for £1 from the Crown within the next few weeks.”