Harriett Baldwin has today welcomed news that the new bridge over the River Teme at Eastham will be opened for traffic this week. And the MP praised both the Worcestershire County Council team and contractors who have been able to deliver a brand new bridge in less than seven months. The new bridge will be formally opened to traffic on April 27 ending the 10 mile diversion which has been in place since the old bridge collapsed last May. Harriett commented: “This is great news for local people and I am keen to pay tribute to the work of the county council and its contractors who have worked swiftly to get a new bridge in place. “When I stood with villagers amongst the ruins of the old bridge last May it was clear this would have a huge impact on local people but I know everyone is pleased that this work has been completed swiftly and efficiently. “I understand that some villagers have been left out of pocket by this incident and I have written on their behalf to get some guidance on potential compensation claims. “I look forward to joining the villagers to formally celebrate the opening of the bridge next month but I know that every villager, local parent and commuter will be glad that road diversions are over and Eastham can return to normality.”