Bridges on the reserve are inspected every two years and in January, the council said signs of degradation were found.

The review noted that three bridges, adjacent to Baron Court, Lakeside and Welbourne, had deteriorated much faster than anticipated and posed a risk to public safety.

While these structures were closed, the crossing near Camelia Close remained open to the public.

The PCC said that as part of the ecological studies, evidence of water voles was also found.

“Work has recently been completed to disperse them (voles) before the hibernation season so as not to delay major construction works,” an authority spokesperson said.

“Site mobilization is scheduled to begin on November 25 with the establishment of site precincts and access arrangements and the construction program will begin in December.

“We anticipate workers will be in place until mid-May 2025.”

They added that trails “approaching the bridges” will be closed during this time to “facilitate the removal and installation of the structures.”

“The bridges should reopen in April 2025, this would depend on the progress of the works due to the weather,” they said.