The future looks bright for Marlow, as it was announced that the town’s bridge will finally reopen next week and the Christmas lights scheme will be extended.

The town has received a double dose of good news this week, as it was announced that Marlow Bridge – a main route through the town for commuters – will reopen, weather permitting, on November 25 after months of misery for residents.

The town council has also agreed to spend more than £10,000 – mostly funded by a donation from Girteka Logistics, the company whose driver forced the bridge to close in the first place – to extend their festive lights scheme to include Liston Court and The Causeway in a bid to help them attract more customers.

Traders feared their businesses may not have survived if the bridge had to remain closed over the Christmas period.

Gemma Fox, from Plume Boutique in Liston Court, said the shops in there are “delighted” at the news.

She said: “We are all really happy in here. It will encourage more people to come into the courtyard. It is going to be a hub of activity on Thursday for the switch on event and it will be all lit up.

“We are so happy the bridge is going to be reopening. It is a bit of a shame it won’t be open in time for the Christmas switch on but it’s great news because we were all anticipating an opening in February next year.

“Hopefully it will now help to increase footfall for all the businesses who have suffered.” 

The decision to reopen the 19th century bridge follows weeks of rigorous tests on its safety, which have revealed no serious damage.

Marlow Mayor, Cllr Bob Johnson, said the town council were “so pleased” at the news.

He said: “Marlow traders have felt the downturn in trade since the bridge was shut so we will focus our efforts now on encouraging people to ‘shop local’ and to come into the town for their Christmas shopping and for our Christmas events.”

The Christmas lights will be switched on by Mary Berry on Thursday, November 24.