A FOOTBRIDGE to link homes with village playing fields has been given the green light by Network Rail.

Concerns had been raised about the design of the bridge at Long Green, in Marks Tey, which was initially meant to be stepped, making access difficult for people with physical disabilities.

But after talks between the parish council, Priti Patel, MP for Witham and Stanway, and Network Rail, a deal has been struck to include ramps in the design.

Nigel Fitch, Marks Tey Parish Council chairman, said: “It’s great news for the village.

“It will link the residential part of the village with the playing fields, so that means children, for example, will not have to walk along the dangerous A120.”

Network Rail has confirmed work will start on the bridge this autumn and will be completed by the end of March next year.

The bridge, which will be built by contractors Bam Nuttal, will also include a vandal-proof cage.

The original Long Green crossing was closed in 2011 and a planning application was submitted to Colchester Council in May 2012 to build a new one, but was withdrawn a month later, with no reasons cited.