AN ICONIC gateway into Reigate has been given a new lease of life.

The scaffolding that has covered Reigate Hill's Grade II listed footbridge was removed at the weekend following a six-month refurbishment project which is expected to cost about £500,000.

Users of the bridge, which was built in 1910 and is a rare early example of a concrete crossing, were pleased to take their first steps across the gleaming new walkway on Monday.

Sue Wilcox, of Linkfield Lane, Redhill, who crosses it daily, said: "It is absolutely great; it really is a fitting entry into Reigate. They have done a really good job. I know it has taken rather a long time but it was definitely worth the effort.

"It's made an amazing difference. Before, it was completely rusty, a lot of the railings were broken and there was horrible green mesh over it. Now it is very impressive."

Architect and member of the Reigate Society, Gwyther Joyce, said: "Everybody sees the bridge as they come this way into Reigate. It is wonderful to see it restored to its original beautiful condition. When you look at it as a functional structure from any angle, it really is a beautiful example of engineering of its time, fulfilling its function simply, arcing gracefully over the roadway below."

The bridge was one of the first concrete bridges ever built. It's also the biggest reinforced concrete footbridge in the country, carrying walkers along the popular North Downs Way across the busy A217. A temporary bridge has been in place since the works began last July.

The concrete structure has been repaired, railings re-cast, and a tatty plastic Reigate and Banstead coat of arms replaced by a painted cast iron one.

Chris Atkins, structures project leader at Surrey County Council, which is paying for the refurbishment, hoped the works would ensure the bridge's future for the next 100 years.

"It is one of very few early concrete footbridges which remain, which is why it was listed by English Heritage," he said.

"There were problems with the concrete and the railings were falling apart. It should be a very durable repair this time, we spent a long time planning it."

Motorists bore the brunt as Reigate Hill footbridge was reopened this weekend. The A217 was closed in both directions from Friday evening to Monday morning to allow engineers to remove the temporary bridge, causing delays in the area.