VILLAGERS are marking the end of a four-month ordeal after a new bridge reuniting their community was opened.

Network Rail demolished the old bridge between South and North Moreton at Christmas as part of a project for freight trains to carry larger, 9ft 6in-tall containers.

The work to create a new, higher bridge caused a long diversion, which villagers say made life particularly difficult for pedestrians and cyclists.

Parish council clerk Roger Templeman said: “There is still no appreciation that it is not just South Moreton that has been inconvenienced – public transport to all the neighbouring parishes was made unreliable for commuters, and local businesses were affected.

“Cyclists and pedestrians trying to get to the supermarket, school or work have experienced a nightmare, especially during the bad weather.

“And the way inconvenience payments were made to residents neighbouring the site seemed arbitrary and caused a lot of resentment.”

Caroline and Melvin Vaughan, of North Moreton, who do not drive, said they had been getting up at 5.30am to escort their daughter to work along dark, isolated tracks.

Mrs Vaughan, 48, said: “When it was snowing, it was really bad.”

Dr Templeman said: “The whole matter has made me so cross – so much time wasted only to achieve a few concessions, and I feel nobody will actually have learned anything from their failings.”

The closest neighbour, 88-year-old Eileen Hutchings, said despite her annoyance about compensation, the workmen had been very good.

She said: “They had a very good attitude, were always polite, and I never heard any swearing. They were always as quiet as possible.”

County councillor Rodney Rose said: “I am very pleased this bridge is being reopened after several months of great inconvenience to local people and businesses.

“I welcome the fact the bridge is now wider and safer with a new footpath.”

Network Rail spokesman Russell Spink said: “We thank the residents of both South and North Moreton for their patience while this vital upgrade was carried out.

“It is part of a much larger project to upgrade the railway between Southampton and the West Midlands which will help take up to 50,000 lorries a year from the region’s roads, making a valuable contribution to the economy and helping Britain compete better in the global marketplace.”