The lifting bridge, which links Poole port with Hamworthy, opened a year ago and lifts for mariners at half past the hour.

BBC: Poole lifting bridge closure criticised

The closure of Poole's lifting bridge for repair work while another bridge in the town remains beset with breakdowns has been criticised by residents.

BBC: Poole lifting bridge closure criticised

At a full council meeting on Tuesday, Councillor Xena Dion said if she had bought the lifting bridge she would have "taken it back by now".

BBC: Twin Sails Bridge 'has 100 defects'

The lifting bridge closed for 10 days on Tuesday but the Twin Sails bridge broke down for 90 minutes in its "up" position with a hydraulic problem.

BBC: Poole lifting bridge closure criticised

The sound of the bridge's lifting sirens also had to be lowered following complaints.

BBC: Poole lifting bridge closure criticised

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra played, a choir performed and a flotilla of boats passed through the illuminated bridge during a ceremonial lifting of the leaves.

BBC: Poole's Twin Sails bridge problems 'not acceptable'

What the problems were then finally became clear on Monday, when part of the road surface on both lifting leaves fell off overnight when the bridge was raised.

BBC: Poole's Twin Sails bridge problems 'not acceptable'

The authority said The Twin Sails Bridge would operate to its normal lifting schedule, "albeit with a slightly slower lift speed".

BBC: Poole lifting bridge closure criticised