A TWO-YEAR project to restore St Michael's Ford, St Albans, to its former glory, is finally complete.

The end of the work was celebrated on Saturday, October 20, with a ceremony attended by the Mayor of St Albans John Peters and the town crier Martin Hallett.

The St Michael's Ford Project, which aimed to restore the area surrounding the bridge to how it looked in the 18th Century has been in the pipeline for two years.

A number of societies and associations pooled resources to raise the £20,000 needed to give the bridge new oak railings and paving, as well as to landscape and replant the overgrown area next to the bridge.

Saturday's celebration was the culmination of the hard work and dedication of the Society of St Michael's and Kingsbury and the Fishpool Residents Association, both of which played key roles in raising funds for the project and volunteering to help with planting along the ford.

Other sponsors include Groundwork, St Albans District Council, The Manor Hotel and the Environment Agency.

The bridge and ford are steeped in history, and legend has it that St Alban himself crossed the bridge on his last journey, but it collapsed under the weight of the crowds who had gathered to watch.

The bridge is said to be one of the oldest in Hertfordshire and at its opening, Mr Hallett said: "It is this bridge and the neighbouring ford that now forms the centrepiece of this worthy project, celebrating the history and heritage of this location."

Councillor Peters added: "It is worthy of special praise for two reasons, first because of the community involvement and second the overall impact on the area."

October 24, 2001 9:24

By Claire Ling