A key bridge that was meant to reopen by this week will stay shut for at least another month.

The Union Street swingbridge in Dover was closed for 11 weeks from September 6 for repairs and checks and supposed to reopen provisionally last Thursday.

But now the Port of Dover says more work has been needed and it will remain closed at least until December 21.

It is one of only three traffic routes linking the seafront to the A20 and town centre.

A Port spokesman said: "We apologise for any inconvenience the closure causes and have been working hard to ensure the work is fully complete as quickly as possible to avoid the need for any further closures."

There was a week's holdup after suspected asbestos was found in the ballast box after the deck panel was removed on October 8. But tests showed the deadly material was not there after all.

An extra two-and-a half weeks' delay was caused by problems during the removal of the huge 200 tonne ballast for the first time.

Its size and shape caused problems and this was aggravated by having to handle pieces of metal and plates ranging from 50kg to 6 tonnes that were found.

Workers over the next few weeks have to remove all the paint, clean the steelwork and identify required steelwork repairs.

The spokesman added: "Beyond that we will be able to clarify the programme for the required repairs and inform you of the exact date for re-opening."

The existing vehicle diversions will have to stay although the bridge can be crossed on foot.

As well as to the seafront, the bridge also provides a direct route to local businesses, the cargo terminal and marina.

Road access to them from the A20 Townwall Street continue via the remaining two routes, the A20/ Marine Parade junction and Wellesley Road.

The closure will continue to mean increased lorry movements to and from the cargo terminal along the seafront, so pedestrians are warned that the area may at times be busier than normal.