THE deadline for comments on a scheme to build the UK's longest single-span footbridge across the Tees near Barnard Castle has been extended.

A decision had been due by the turn of the year on whether planning permission would be sought for the £1.3m 265-metre bridge, which would also incorporate a viewing platform.

However, the consultation period has been extended until March 10 and a dedicated website set up after a number of requests were made for all documents relating to the project to be made publicly available in the same place online.

All details relating to the bridge proposal are now online at www.durham.gov.uk/teesdalebridge

Anyone who has yet to make their views known can now do so by completing a questionnaire on the site.

A public exhibition outlining the scheme was held late last year and the most recent consultation results showed a 60-40 split in favour of the bridge.

Councillor Neil Foster, Durham County Council cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “Durham County Council is committed to involving the public as much as possible on decisions that will affect them and the place they live.

“Alongside the other face-to-face consultations, this website will allow the council to fully hear the views of everyone with an interest in the project during the planning application process.”

If the scheme does come to fruition, the suspension bridge would be the centrepiece of a circular walk from Barnard Castle through ancient woodland.