A long-awaited £3 million footbridge which replaces a "high risk" level crossing has officially opened.

Network Rail opened the new crossing in Stone, which links St Mary’s Road and Elizabeth Street, today, just over two years after the plans to build it were announced.

The bridge will bring an end to numerous issues with the current Network Rail-operated level crossing, which has closed on a number of occasions due to staff shortages, forcing those wanting to walk across the tracks to take a 10-minute detour.

The footbridge includes ramps to Charles Street and Church Hill, and an additional staircase on Charles Street.

Dartford’s MP, Gareth Johnson, said: “I have been pushing for this bridge to be built for some time and it’s fantastic that it is now open.

“Network Rail have always recognised just how beneficial it would be to local commuters to be able to use a bridge rather than the old crossing system and I am pleased they have heavily invested in the station.”

Paul Donald, Network Rail route enhancements manager, said: “Level crossings pose one of the biggest risks to public safety on the railway and we are committed to closing them wherever possible.

“This new bridge will make it safer and easier for local people to cross the railway and access the station.”

Stone Crossing had previously been identified as a high risk crossing due to regular misuse.

The crossing is the latest level crossing to close in the South East as part of a national programme to improve safety by closing or upgrading existing level crossings.

Stone's level crossing closed for the final time on Sunday, February 25.