TRADERS in Abertillery breathed a sigh of relief as the town’s Foundry Bridge was reopened just in time for Christmas.

The bridge reopened to traffic and pedestrians on Friday, much to the delight of traders who have campaigned alongside local councillors to get the bridge open before Christmas, after noticing a decline in trade since it was closed in May.

The Foundry Bridge has been a focal point in Abertillery since it was built in 1896.

The first bridge was demolished in the late 1940s due to subsidence and the existing bridge was removed to make way for a new one as part of the regeneration of the town centre.

But work on the £2.5 million project was delayed due to unforeseen difficulties experienced by contractors and bad weather threatened to put back its opening until January. But workers pushed ahead to ensure it opened before the new year.

Glenys Barugh, 63, owner of Topps clothes shop in Church Street, said: “I am over the moon. Hopefully things will start picking up again. It’s better late than never.”

Carl Southcott, 42, who owns The Dolls House pub, said: “It’s great timing for us with the Christmas trade. It's a pity it could not have been opened earlier but hopefully trade will pick up now.”

Councillor Don Wilcox, executive member for regeneration, said the reopening of the bridge was great news for the people of Abertillery especially traders who had campaigned for it to open before Christmas.

He added: “The removal of the old landmark bridge and the reconstruction of a new bridge was a catalyst project in the regeneration of the town centre and is just the beginning of what we believe is a very bright future for Abertillery.“ But some fear the damage has already been done and are worried that shoppers who have chosen to go elsewhere won't return.

Maria Williams, 39, who works at Fresh and Fruity in Somerset Street, said: “It’s a little too late, people have changed their shopping habits and have gone elsewhere. Hopefully the customers will come back, but it might be too late.”