PEEL harbour’s footbridge has re-opened for the Easter holidays, to the delight of Peel residents and the thousands who visit the town at this time of the year.

The bridge re-opened yesterday after undergoing a second major repair job following more than six weeks out of action.

Known as the Fenella Footbridge, the bridge was lifted for “essential repairs and maintenance” on March 7. Problems with the bridge were first noticed in early 2009 when the main slewing bearing assembly failed. The bndge was closed in May 2009 and a temporary repair made it possible to continue at a reduced and controlled frequency.

However, the bearing failed again in June 2010, resulting in the Department commissioning an independent investigation into the circumstances of the failure and invited recommendations in relation to a permanent and robust repair.

The work involved the putting in place of two large steel barriers, on one side of the gate by crane to create a safe working environment.