A BRIDGE has been demolished in preparation for a new transport system and a brand new crossing.

For 25 years a footbridge has linked Station Approach, Dartford, and the town centre but work began late on Friday night to tear it down.

Its demolition will allow Kent County Council (KCC) to build bus stops and lanes as part of the new Fastrack bus network.

Contractors Fitzpatrick say a new bowstring bridge, so called due to its similarity to a violin's bowstring, will be in place by mid-December.

KCC spokesman Phil Scrivener said: "This new bridge will be an attractive landmark in Dartford and has been designed to be a state -of-the-art structure."

The new bridge will also have new ramps which are not as steep as the old ones.

A spokesman for Fitzpatrick said: "Temporary pedestrian diversions will be round the front of the train station to Hythe Street and then to Home Gardens for those wanting the bus.

"For pedestrians who need the town centre the diversion will cross Hythe Street and Westgate, adding two to five minutes to their journey."

Dartford Council has kept a close eye on designs for the new bridge.

Deputy leader of Dartford Council Councillor Jeremy Kite said: "The bridge plays an important function in welcoming people to Dartford and I think this design shows we are no longer happy looking like a concrete block."