A FAMILY has praised a council and contractors who defied the winter weather to build a new bridge connecting them to their village.

The old wooden bridge near Burnside Cottages in Rookhope was originally built to serve a lead mine, but in recent years its design meant it became a repeated flashpoint for flooding.

Durham County Council had planned to rebuild the bridge crossing the Rookhope Burn, but residents feared the project would be postponed due to the heavy snowfall over the past few months.

But now they are celebrating after workmen defied the elements to complete the job on the new road and pedestrian crossing.

Simon Gillow, who lives in Burnside Cottages, said over the last ten years the bridge’s central support acted as a dam causing water to flood to up to half a metre above the surface of the structure.

Mr Gillow praised the workmen who rebuilt the bridge, including digger driver Andrew Craggs, masons Tony Hole and Terry Dixon and joiners Joe Rowland, Denis Tomlinson and Damian and Andrew Bridgewater as well as Jimmy Whiting from the council.

Mr Gillow, who also thanked steel fixers Michael Kelly and his sons Michael and Liam, said: “These hardy professionals battled with sub-zero temperatures, frost, hail and snow.

“During the entire project only one full day was lost when the snow was so thick the lads could not get to the job.

“We are 1,000 feet above sea level here and the difference of a couple of degrees or so from the Wear Valley to Rookhope means that snow and ice stay on the ground and the cold bites all day.

“The team worked throughout with skill and good humour and the men are to be thanked for their sensitivity, always moving aside to allow residents to get over to the road and back.

“This new bridge will serve for many years and will certainly be standing when my grandchildren have their own kids.”

Brian Buckley, strategic highways manager at the council, said: “It’s reassuring to hear that the work has been carried out and that the residents are pleased with it.

"The bridge, which is the sole access to Burnside Cottages and also carries a public right of way, was replaced because it was in a poor condition and was susceptible to damage when river flows were high.”