FOOTBALL legend Sir Bobby Robson is to have a new bridge in Ipswich named after him, it has been announced

Jonathan Barnes

FOOTBALL legend Sir Bobby Robson is to have a new bridge in Ipswich named after him, it has been announced

The new bridge, constructed at the end of last year, is for pedestrians and cyclists and stretches across the River Orwell from a new housing estate to West End Road, just a short distance from Ipswich Town's Portman Road ground.

Members of the public were asked to put forward names for the structure, and the name of the former Ipswich and England manager was the popular choice.

Liz Harsant, leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: “I'm delighted that the community has chosen this name for the bridge and I am sure that many fans and residents will enjoy using the bridge on their way to the football.”

The new bridge links the new Fairview estate with the town centre, which will give the new residents easy access to the Russell Road area of the town.

It will also link a major housing estate with an important office area, which incorporates the borough's Grafton House offices, the county's Endeavour House headquarters, the Crown Court building and - in the future - the new magistrates' court.

The bridge was a major feature of the Fairview development and was a condition of the planning permission when the firm was given the go-ahead for the project.

Sir Bobby, 75, is an honorary vice-president of Ipswich Town and is currently undergoing treatment for cancer - the fifth time he has fought the disease.