THE former Gravesend West railway bridge has been given a reprieve after councillors voted to save it.

Plans to demolish the bridge and viaduct in West Street, which date from 1886, were rejected by the regulatory board last week on the grounds that there were insufficient plans for the redevelopment of the area.

An objection to the plan to use material from the structures to build a new flood defence wall, was received on behalf of Gravesham's conservation architect Alan Cox stating they were “well known features in the town”.

He added: “It is important that their contribution to the appearance of that part of the conservation area is maintained.”