If work to replace the defective road surface on the Twin Sails Bridge goes according to plan, it is expected to open to traffic in early April.

Contractors have removed the road surface on the two lifting leaves, as well as a layer of waterproof material protecting the steelwork, and aim to replace it in one layer.

Yesterday Borough of Poole said it couldn't yet say when the bridge would open because a plan of action had yet to be agreed.

But this afternoon the council said it hoped the bridge would be usable by the beginning of next month.