Options are being drawn up to ensure a bridge near Wigan's The Brick Community Stadium is 'fit for the future'

There was uproar at New Year when it was announced that Walmsley bridge, which goes over the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, would be closed on match days at The Brick Community Stadium.

Wigan Council said it was due to “concerns about the structural safety of the bridge when at full capacity”.

But it meant fans going to games at the stadium – which is used by both Wigan Warriors and Wigan Athletic – faced either a much longer walk to get there or had to get in their cars instead.

The impact was also felt by businesses, with Harry Bristow, landlord of The Brickmakers Arms in Springfield, saying the closure of the bridge led to him losing 60 per cent of his trade on New Year’s Day alone.

Wigan MP Lisa Nandy met council officials at the bridge to “stress the urgency of the situation”.

"Urgent, temporary” work was carried out on the bridge in mid-January and it has remained open ever since, with thousands of fans walking over it on match days.

Wigan Council, which was working with the stadium and sports clubs, said at the time that it would be looking for “longer term solutions” for the bridge.

A statement released on Facebook announced this work is now progressing and there may be “activity” around the bridge in the coming weeks.

However, the bridge will “remain open throughout” – something which is sure to be a relief to sports fans and business owners.

A council spokesman said: “Following propping works earlier this year to reopen Walmsley bridge over the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, the council, clubs and stadium are working on options for a permanent solution to ensure this route is fit for the future.

“As a result, residents and fans may notice some activity around Walmsley bridge over the next few weeks.

“The bridge will remain open throughout and we will provide a further update as soon as we can.

"Thank you for your understanding.”