CONCERNED residents have hit out at the county council’s temporary fix to a bridge in South Woodrow.

After a deteriorating section of the bridge was reported to the Worcestershire County Council a temporary plastic barrier was put in front of it.

Vandals then removed the section causing the council to return and place a larger metal fence, secured by metal strips, in front of the plastic barrier.

People living nearby the bridge have criticised the time taken to replace the section and say that the temporary arrangement is not safe enough.

Parent Toni Ellesse said: "It is not good enough. Anyone could come and cut it. It just takes one drunken person and there are a lot of silly people around."

The bridge is used by numerous people including children who attend Woodrow First School.

Richard Kieran, headteacher at the school, said: "Anything which concerns the safety our children on their way two and from school is something which we would report to the council."

He added the school had been in touch with the council regarding the bridge.

A Worcestershire County Council spokesman said: "We acted swiftly to ensure the bridge, which is an important link for many in the area, was made safe when the damage was reported. Obviously, the issue of safety is of paramount importance to us.

"The high fencing which is there now was installed on 26 February (2015) and we are satisfied with this temporary arrangement.

"If anyone sees criminal damage taking place on the bridge, or anywhere else for that matter, they should report it to the police immediately."

He added that last week a meeting to discuss replacing the damaged section of railing was held with a specialist contractor.