RESIDENTS of two villages have been reunited after a year.

The Highways Agency yesterday opened a new bridge over the M62 between Cleckheaton and Scholes.

The Whitechapel Road crossing had been closed for a year – forcing residents to take a two-mile diversion.

The entire bridge has been replaced, after the agency decided repair work would be too expensive.

Residents of both villages gathered at the bridge for the re-opening at 11am yesterday.

“We want a safe and secure bridge for the next 50 years, which is what we’ve got.”