Visitors get first chance to use Melton Country Park's long-awaited new bridge

Following significant damage to the previous bridge during severe weather in January 2025, Melton Borough Council worked in partnership with contractors, Danaher and Walsh, and architects, William Saunders, to design and deliver a new bridge that is more resilient, accessible and better suited to the needs of visitors now and in the future.

The new bridge features a wider crossing to improve accessibility for wheelchair users, families with pushchairs and those with limited mobility.

Additional enhancements include strengthened foundations and anti-slip decking designed to improve safety and resilience during wet weather conditions.

The opening of the bridge restores a key route through Melton’s popular country park, allowing residents and visitors to once again enjoy access across the park's lake.

Planning the project to install the new structure was started by the previous Labour/Independent administration and the current Conservative leadership group pushed ahead with the scheme.

Council leader, Councillor Ronan Browne, said: “We know how important this bridge is to residents and visitors, and how much it has been missed since it was damaged.

"Recognising the importance of this ongoing project to the community, the new administration in May 2026 committed to getting the bridge replaced as quickly as possible and I’m pleased this has been achieved.

“Thank you to everyone for their patience while the replacement was completed, and to Danaher and Walsh for successfully delivering this project.

“We look forward to residents and visitors enjoying this much-loved part of the Country Park for many years to come.”