ROAD bosses say their plan to replace a 200-year bridge next summer "is likely to slip" after a hold-up in their investigation work.

Preliminary work which was due to take place this Autumn as part of plans to replace Finchingfield Bridge has been put on hold due to legal issues.

Essex Highways say the work is now expected to go ahead during the half-term week in February next year.

A spokesman for Highways said: "We had previously advised that we were aiming to carry out necessary site investigations at Finchingfield Bridge during Autumn 2018.

"It has become evident that despite our best efforts to reach this timescale it will not be possible due to outstanding legal permissions with third parties affected by these works.

"These investigations are important as they will provide essential details that will inform the design and temporary works aspects of the new bridge.

"Whilst every effort will be made to keep to the reconstruction programme of Summer 2019, this is likely to slip due to the delay in progressing the investigation work."

Half-term week begins on Monday, February 18, but Highways say they will confirm whether it will go ahead or not closer to the time.

Highways say they will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.