What a rollercoaster week it has been for Great Yarmouth's new £121m third river crossing.

Since the Herring Bridge's grand opening on Thursday, February 1, the crossing has endured a technical issue and a foul-mouthed blunder.

Despite the 'teething issues' - which were resolved by Tuesday - Graham Plant, Norfolk County Council's cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, said he looks forward to seeing the benefits the bridge will add to the town.

Mr Plant praised the new link between Harfrey's Estate and the town's industrial sector by the South Denes, saying "it will encourage businesses to come to Yarmouth".

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Councillor Graham Plant. Picture- NewsquestCouncillor Graham Plant. Picture- Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)"We're already trying to make that happen with the building of the maintenance and operations base, which will provide for the offshore wind industry for 30 years," Mr Plant said.

"We have a rail connection that works, a port that can deal with deep water shipping and a bridge that links to a dual carriageway with direct access to the Midlands."

Mr Plant said the bridge is "a great asset" which will benefit more than just businesses.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The Herring Bridge opened on Thursday, February 1. Picture - Luke Martin PhotographyThe Herring Bridge opened on Thursday, February 1. Picture - Luke Martin Photography (Image: Luke Martin Photography)"What we have to do now is make sure people in Great Yarmouth have the skills to take advantage of those businesses that come along," he added.

"Hence why we're are upgrading Palmers into an education centre.

"Becoming a university town has huge potential for the future. These things happen over time. 

"But everything is coming together."

READ MORE: Great Yarmouth East Coast College reveals new campus plans

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Hundreds of people gathered at the grand opening of the Herring Bridge. Picture - Denise BradleyHundreds of people gathered at the grand opening of the Herring Bridge. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)Norfolk County Council apologised for any offence caused during the public address system mishap over the weekend, adding the issue has "been raised with the contractor operating the bridge to avoid a repeat occurrence".

On Tuesday, people living in the shadow of the bridge on Southtown Road said they were looking forward to the ongoing landscaping work to be finished on Bollard Quay.

However, two people said they felt their privacy had been hindered since the bridge opened.