A LISTED bridge used to access Wimborne is to close for repairs, leading to fears it will hit the economy for both local shops and tourist attractions at a busy time of year.

The scheme, part of a £3.1 million repair and replacement programme, will provide major repair and refurbishment works to the existing structure and a new combined foot and cycle bridge.

The money for Canford bridge, which spans the River Stour and is jointly maintained by the Borough of Poole and Dorset County Council, has come from the Department for Transport.

Town mayor Anthony Oliver said the situation was of "great concern" and it had been unclear during earlier consultation that the bridge would have to be shut and traffic diverted.

"We have pleaded can't the bridge be kept open one way?' and having been told the answer is no, we are doing the best we can for the traders and tourist attractions to ensure there is adequate signage for visitors in particular but the locals as well."

Mr Oliver said the proposed timetable of work starting in May could mean the work cutting through a busy time of year for town visitors.

But senior civil engineer Lynne Wait at the Borough of Poole said if the work was not done, weight restrictions would have to be put in place in several years' time.

They were constrained by Environment Agency rules that work in the river had to be carried out May to October, avoiding the fish spawning season, and there also had to be consideration about flood risks, and cutting vegetation before bird nesting season.

"We have a contractor who has been appointed to do some of the work. We are waiting for our listed building consent to come through which is imminent. There will be a road closure but at the moment we can't put any dates to it."

She said there would be signage showing the bridge was closed, and to assure residents and visitors that attractions and stores would be open as normal, and they would give a date for the work as soon as possible.