THE starting date of the 10- week full closure of Evesham’s Abbey Bridge has been announced as Thursday, September 19.

The much-anticipated news was officially confirmed on Tuesday after weeks of speculation and a three-month delay caused by poor weather. It means that if all goes to plan, the bridge will be back in action by the start of December and the busy festive period.

The bridge will be completely closed for a 10 week period but pedestrians and cyclists can use a temporary footbridge and people are being encouraged to contune using Evesham’s services and shops.

The town is being supported in the run-up to the closure and beyond by the Journal’s Come In, We’re Open campaign.

During the closure a temporary two-way traffic flow on Mill Street from its junction with Oat Street, with the closure of Mill Bank (at its junction with Common Road) to through traffic will be introduced.

The closure of Mill Bank means the signals at the intersection will operate using minimum of phases – with the hope that the fewer the phases the better the traffic will flow. Current traffic arrangements on Oat Street and Swan Lane will be retained. Worcestershire County Council announced last week a promotion offering half-price travel for any journey starting or ending inEvesham town centre from Monday, September 2, until the end of 2013.

Councillor John Smith, cabinet member for highways and transport and councillor for Evesham North West, said: “It's still a few weeks away, which means there's still time for people to think about making alternative arrangements.

Not only will they be helping themselves, but also our town as it will help cut congestion.

“The support so far for traders has been good.

Please continue to back our town centre shops.”

For more information, visit eveshamjournal.co.uk/disruption or log on to worcestershire.gov.uk/abbey bridge.