A new bridge will be opened in Steeple Bumpstead today to mark the completion of a flood alleviation scheme.

Work has been done to improve eight bridges in the village, as well as to widen and clear brooks and plant 2,000 shrubs and trees.

Braintree MP Brooks Newmark will open the new vehicular bridge at the ford on Church Street at 1pm.

Mr Newmark said: “I’m delighted to hear that the Steeple Bumpstead flood alleviation scheme has been completed which will be of huge relief to many residents, especially after the flooding in recent years.

“The resulting scheme is a great example of the community working together along with the Parish Council, Essex County Council, the Flood Action Group and the Environment Agency to prevent the blight on people’s lives in Steeple Bumpstead caused by the flooding.”