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Wirral Council
The wooden Swiss bridge, an original feature of the park, was damaged by vandals last year
A Grade II listed bridge in Birkenhead has reopened after being damaged by vandals four months ago.
About £20,000 worth of damage was done when the Swiss bridge was set on fire in September, Wirral Council said.
The wooden bridge is one of the features of Birkenhead Park, designed by Joseph Paxton and opened in 1847.
Councillor Chris Meaden, the cabinet member for leisure and culture, said the “iconic” bridge’s reopening was “a great day” for the park.
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Merseyside Police
The Swiss Bridge in Birkenhead Park was closed while repairs took place
“It was a tragedy when it was so badly damaged by a mindless act of vandalism,” she said.
“It is one of the iconic structures of Birkenhead and certainly the flagship symbol of the park.”
She added that “because of its listed status, this restoration work has had to be done properly, using appropriate materials and techniques” but it was “all worth it to see the bridge fully open again”.