CAMPAIGNERS have welcomed the start of a multi million pound restoration of one of Glasgow's bridges - after more than two years.

The city council announced in 2013 that it intended to refurbish the Albert Bridge, linking Saltmarket and Crown Street, after it fell into disrepair, with cracks and shabby paintwork.

But problems with a contractor falling into administration and difficulties in finding specialist workers to restore the 1871 bridge meant the £2.6m project - which was originally intended to be completed by April 2014 - was hit by long delays.

Work has now begun on the structure and scaffolding is in place, with the bridge expected to be completed early next year.

Eddie Graham, who started a Restore Albert Bridge Facebook page and encouraged people to send letters to the council, said everyone was looking forward to seeing "this really impressive and stunning bridge restored to its former glory."

He thanked everyone involved for their "tremendous support" and said without it the restoration may never have taken place.

He added: "Albert Bridge is undoubtedly the most stunning bridge in Glasgow and once fully restored will look absolutely magnificent."

The bridge, a crucial north south link, is expected to remain open throughout.

Councillor Soryia Siddique, who campaigned for the bridge to be upgraded for years, was "delighted" to see work get underway.

Ms Siddique said she raised the issue with the city council's head of land and environmental services and finance director.

The Southside Central councillor thanked Huchesontown community council and Laurieston community council who joined the campaign for the refurbishment.

She said: "This has been a long campaign and it is welcome news for local community councils and residents who joined the campaign.

"I look forward to seeing the fine iron artwork representing Glasgow city's historic place at the hub of the nation's industry being refurbished. It is expected the refurbished bridge will be complete by March 2016."

In 2013, a report identified restoration work to include new lighting, grit-blasting and repainting in its original colours, plus heraldic shields and gilded highlights reinstated.

Restoration work will involve replacing the existing cast iron parapets with identical but stronger ones.

All the sections of the facade which have been lost over time will be replaced and new lighting will be installed which will replicate the bridge's original lighting.

The council report said the work would restore "a stunning piece of historic engineering over the River Clyde." Council leader Gordon Matheson said at the time that he hoped the bridge would enjoy "a high profile" during last summer's Commonwealth Games. Instead, it was covered in a pink People Make Glasgow banner along the length of its discoloured blue ironwork.

The bridge is named after Queen Victoria's consort, Prince Albert. There are two other Albert bridges, in London and Belfast. In 1999, the city council carried out strengthening work to ensure it could carry heavy vehicles.