A bridge in the Norfolk Broads that closed after a hole appeared has reopened to pedestrians.

An emergency road closure was put in place at the old bridge in Potter Heigham after it was spotted on Thursday last week. 

But it could be a while before traffic can pass over it again as repairs and structural investigations are yet to begin.

Eastern Daily Press: Pedestrians can now pass safely along the bridge in Potter Heigham after new barriers were installedPedestrians can now pass safely along the bridge in Potter Heigham after new barriers were installed (Image: Paul Rice)

Paul Rice, senior flood warden and emergency coordinator for Potter Heigham, said: "We saw people moving the initial barriers to get across which wasn't safe.

"After contacting Norfolk County Council, a Highways team has visited today and rearranged the barriers in order to open the bridge to pedestrians."

The hole, initially the size of a 10ft boot, has got bigger over the last few days according to Mr Rice and it is big enough for someone to fall in. 

Eastern Daily Press: The hole appeared last week and has got worse over the last few days, according to flood warden Paul RiceThe hole appeared last week and has got worse over the last few days, according to flood warden Paul Rice (Image: Paul Rice)

The road closure is likely to remain until after January as engineers will need to investigate the substructure for any damage before it can be fixed.

Flood alerts are in place for areas surrounding Potter Heigham, Wroxham and Horning today, with overtopping already occurring.

Mr Rice added: "The water has been rushing in at quite some speed and is not looking good.

"There is a locked tide and the wind direction could make it worse.

"We have put flood barriers in place and are monitoring the situation.

"High tide is at 4.30pm this afternoon but the worst of the flooding will likely be overnight at 3am."