THE historic Monnow Gate has been formally re-opened since receiving a new lease of life.

For the last 18 months, Monmouthshire County Council has been carrying out preservation work to the 700-year-old building on the Monnow Bridge in Monmouth.

The project has received funding through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013, which is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

Monmouthshire's chairman, County Cllr David Dovey and town councillor Jeana Hall, the Mayor of Monmouth, declared the building open by jointly cutting the ribbon to the refurbished gate and ascended the narrow spiral staircase to sign the new visitors' book, replicating the original opening of 1902.

Councillor Dovey recalled his schooldays in the town when he passed over the bridge and through the gate each day. He said: "The bridge and gate are symbolic of Monmouth and Monmouthshire through history as being of both strategic and economic importance. As far as the latter is concerned it remains so today as the gateway to Wales."

Monnow Bridge with its gate remains the town's best-loved landmark and an iconic gateway to Wales. The historic structure is unique in Britain and only a handful of similar bridges survive in Europe. The recent restoration will breathe new life into Monmouth's unique heritage.

Pupils from Overmonnow Primary School were also present as well as representatives from the town council, Cadw and the Monmouth Civic Society.  In recent times, access to the gate has been limited to one weekend each year but following refurbishment, public access will be increased to one day each week through prior booking at the Shire Hall. For further details contact the Shire Hall on 01600 775257.