AFTER a year of rebuilding works the Bromley mayoral car was the first vehicle over the Chislehurst Road bridge at its reopening today.

The mayor Councillor Michael Turner cut a ribbon to declare the bridge open before getting in the car to make the historic journey.

Invited guests, including children from nearby Leesons Primary School who took a great interest in every stage of the engineering project, then enjoyed a slice of celebratory cake.

Orpington MP Jo Johnson said: "I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Bromley Council and the contractor, Hochtief, for completing the work on time and on budget. "It is a vital link for Orpington residents and I know that today's opening will be welcomed by many in the constituency."

The bridge needed to be replaced after safety inspections revealed severe structural weaknesses and it had been closed since November 7 last year.