Treaty will finally be signed next week after 15 years of cash squabbles over £4bn plan

A 20km bridge linking Germany to Denmark has finally got the go-ahead after 15 years of arguing over costs.

The link, which will cost an estimated £4bn, will link the German island of Fehmarn with the Danish island of Lolland. It is expected to take 10 years to complete.

Transport ministers from the two countries will meet in Copenhagen next week to sign a treaty giving the scheme the go-ahead.

The project aims to boost trade between Scandinavia and the rest of Europe and cut journey times.

The Danes, who are expected to get most benefit from the scheme, are putting up the lion's share of the cash.

Some locals have raised concerns about the effect of the project on the ferry industry and local ecology.