HORNDON Bridge, a footpath and bridleway which links the village of Horndon on the Hill with Stanford-le-Hope, has been renamed in tribute to the Queen and to mark the Platinum Jubilee.

Today (Wednesday, 1 June) borough mayor Cllr James Halden was joined by council leader, Cllr Rob Gledhill, and cabinet member for regeneration and external affairs, Cllr Mark Coxshall, to cut a ribbon and unveil the name plaques of the officially renamed Platinum Jubilee Bridge.

Members of walking group Thurrock Ramblers and the Essex Bridleway Association, with some four-legged friends, also attended the unveiling.

Cllr Halden said: "In one of my first official roles as the new Mayor of Thurrock, I'm delighted to pay tribute to Her Majesty and celebrate her 70 years of loyal service by cutting this ribbon to declare that the Horndon Bridge has been officially renamed Platinum Jubilee Bridge.

"The A13 is a major economic artery for the whole region, underscoring again the vital place that is Thurrock and our ability to rival London's square mile. It is fitting that such a significant bridge is named after the most significant Head of State in the world."

The Platinum Jubilee Bridge is one of four new bridges, which forms part of the A13 Road Widening Project. It is a key public footpath and bridleway for walkers, equestrians and residents travelling between Horndon on the Hill from Horndon Road and the A1013 Stanford Road in Stanford-le-Hope.

Julia Wilson, Essex Bridleway Association Chairperson, said: "We are overjoyed that Thurrock Council has worked collaboratively to improve public rights of way to connect off-road access in this area. This bridge is a vital link for local equestrians."

Brian Hatcher, Chair of Thurrock Ramblers, said: "Thurrock Ramblers are pleased to be part of the renaming of the Horndon Bridge. This bridge is part of the footpath network dating back to before Medieval times. Routes were established to connect villages, churches and markets. This bridge is an important link now for commuters, students, walkers and to maintaining friendship links. At the end of June, the bridge will be busy with visitors to the Feast and Fayre in Horndon on the Hill."  

Cllr Coxshall said: "The A13 corridor is a vital part of the transport network in Thurrock and the south Essex area, enabling the economy to grow through expanding businesses, new housing and more jobs."

Further celebrations for The Queen's Platinum Jubilee are being held across Thurrock from Thursday, 2 to Sunday, 5 June. Tomorrow community forums have organised beacon lightings in Bulphan, Purfleet-on-Thames, Coalhouse Fort park and Fobbing, and English Heritage will light a beacon at Tilbury Fort.

More information about Thurrock Ramblers and ramblers groups is available at: www.ramblers.org.uk. Find out about bridleways in Essex at the Essex Bridleways Association website.