Devon County Council bosses have drawn up a £250,000 vision to replace Sidmouth’s Alma Bridge and end uncertainty over its future.

The plan aims to retain as many of the landmark’s well-known features as possible.

It is proposed a new structure will span across the river and not be reliant on existing under-threat pillars which were undermined by flooding last year.

Councillor Stuart Hughes told the Herald this week that the whole of the bridge’s deck would be replaced and the central and eastern pillars would be removed.

He added that strengthening work will be required to support the new structure on the eastern bank.

Cllr Hughes said the new bridge would retain features of the original, including its ornate parapets, brickwork and stone features which are currently being stored in Newton Abbott.

A temporary bridge has been in place at the eastern end of Sidmouth seafront for six months.

Mr Hughes said proposals for the new landmark were subject to further discussions and, if the project progresses, it will cost £250,000.

He added: “It is imperative that the district council sorts out some rock revetment work for the Pennington Point area ahead of a beach management scheme.

“The bridge is a lifeline for people who live to the east of the river and for the town’s economy as the gateway to the coastal footpath.”