A TEMPORARY bridge installed in Taunton in the early 1990s has finally been removed – although it could still come in handy.

The Bailey bridge over the Mill Stream – which provided access to the Castle Street and Tangier areas – has been removed as part of the Third Way development.

It was originally built while the main bridge near the bus station was repaired.

It is being replaced by a permanent bridge with footpaths and cycleways.

The Third Way road currently under construction will link Wellington Road to Bridge Street as part of a scheme to ease traffic congestion in Taunton town centre.

Cllr Anthony Trollope-Bellew, the county’s Cabinet member for environment, said: “While we’re sad to see the Bailey bridge go, it’s very good to see the progress being made with this important new road scheme which will deliver real benefits to Taunton.”

Cllr Stephen Martin-Scott, Cabinet member for strategy and communications, said: “The Bailey bridge was only ever installed as a temporary bridge, but it improved the access to local business and public car parks so much that, 17 years ago, the decision was taken to keep it.

“And its life may not yet be over.

“It is possible that it will be re-used near the station as part of Taunton’s next traffic relief scheme, the Northern Inner Distributor Road – linking Staplegrove Road to Priory Avenue - which we hope the Government will still be willing to fund.”