A SECOND World War invention could keep a vital road link open next year while a bridge over the River Avon is replaced, says an 87-year-old Christchurch resident.

George Finnett says a Bailey Bridge, of the type designed in Christchurch during the 1939-45 war to allow tanks and troops to cross rivers and railways, would be ideal at the Avon Causeway near Sopley.

The road across the Avon Valley is a well-used route between the New Forest and Bournemouth Airport.

Dorset County Council is to build a replacement for the existing rusting iron bridge starting next July.

The project, which has been delayed by a year after it attracted substantial opposition, will mean the causeway will be closed for about five months.

Opponents fear traffic chaos leading to loss of business in Christchurch as drivers search for alternative routes.

The council previously discounted building a temporary bridge because of environmental concerns.

Former RAF Flight Sergeant Mr Finnett, who lives in Fairmile, Christchurch, said: "I thought it would be a good exercise for the Army.

"We used Bailey Bridges during the war and had tanks and heavier stuff going over them.

"If it was during the wartime, they would have that across there in no time, regardless of the environmental thing."

Mike Winter, head of the county council's Dorset Engineering Consultancy, said: "The bridge would require the construction of significant foundations and approach embankments, and it would inevitably be damaging to the very sensitive local environment."

Bailey Bridges were designed by Donald Bailey, later Sir Donald, at Barrack Road, Christchurch.

Built of steel sections they could be transported by lorry and put together by teams of up to five men. They were used extensively throughout Europe in 1944 and 1945.

First published: November 3, 2005