ADVANCED site work to replace a bridge that collapsed under the weight of a lorry at Fiddlers Ferry will commence in June - 20 months after the accident.

The council's executive board unanimously approved joint use of the Coastal Community Fund and Sankey Canal Restoration Fund to complete the Marsh House Bridge development at Tuesday's meeting at the Town Hall.

A lorry fell through the bridge in September 2013, when in ownership of the Duchy of Lancaster, leading to months of difficulties for businesses based on the neighbouring trading estate.

Advanced site works are set to begin next month, with bridge installation due to take place in 'early autumn'.

The temporary bridge which was installed to ease turmoil will remain in place to ease 'road closure disruption'.

Cllr Hans Mundry, portfolio holder for highways, transportation and public realm, addressed the importance of developing the bridge to fellow board members.

He added: "£350,000 will be coming from the community grant fund and the council will match that with £350,000 - it is a much-needed bridge."

Also discussed at the meeting were the potential developments of two bridges in the town.

The first, from Slutchers Lane to Chester Road , is due to start by next year and the second, a high-level crossing over the Manchester Ship Canal, could be complete within a decade.

But Cllr Hitesh Patel, portfolio holder for personnel and communications, raised his fears with the pledges made by the Government to deliver the crossings.

"In the run up to the General Election we heard a lot of noises about new bridges being built," he said.

Phase one of the Warrington Waterfront scheme, which will provide a bridge link from Chester Road, as well as 'improvements' to Slutchers Lane, is tipped to be completed by 2019 at the latest.

But council leader Terry O'Neill highlighted the need of securing the funds needed to allow work to be completed.

"There is a big challenge to find a shortfall of funding," he added.

At last October's executive board meeting, a commitment was agreed to 'underwrite the £5.7 million gap that currently exists' on phase one but the council remains determined to identify 'private sector and developer funding' sources for the scheme.

The project needs to commence on site in the 2016/17 period or funding from the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership could be at risk.

An update on the situation is due to be provided in September.