An overweight van tried to cross Marlow Bridge just five minutes after it was officially reopened after two months this morning. 

Workmen who were taking down the barriers helped avoid another crisis by rushing to stop the van from continuing across the weight-restricted bridge. 

A ribbon was cut by Bucks County Council chairman, Val Letheran, Marlow mayor, Bob Johnson, Cllr Richard Scott and transport chief, Mark Shaw, at 10am this morning, officially declaring the bridge open after it was closed on September 24. 

Marlow Free Press nostalgia expert, Michael Eagleton, was at the bridge for the official opening and saw the situation unfold.

He said: "There was a really good crowd there to see the bridge reopened. It was very nice to see. 

"Just as the barriers were being taken down, this chap in the van came roaring along. 

"Some of the officers rushed forward to stop him and he had great difficulty reversing back down the road." 

The van then had to turn around on The Causeway to avoid the bridge. 

The bridge, which has a three-tonne weight limit, has been shut for extensive inspection and stress-testing since a 37-tonne lorry tried to cross it – causing misery for commuters and residents alike.

Mark Shaw said: “I'm delighted we've been able to open ahead of the Christmas trading, which is good news for everyone. I'm pleased we have the confidence of a thorough structural engineers' report that the bridge is safe to use.”