CHILDREN who could have been on a mini bus travelling over Eastham Bridge when it collapsed have joined villagers for a meeting with the Tenbury MP and Highways chiefs.

The bridge collapsed on Tuesday (May 24) at just the time when mini buses were taking children from Lindridge School to the village.

Fortunately there was no traffic on the bridge when it collapsed into the River Teme but that was pure good fortune.

It is reported that two mini buses were driving towards the bridge when it started to fall into the river below.

Villagers have met with their MP Harriett Baldwin and John Fraser, Highways Manager at Worcestershire, in a bid to get answers.

They want to know why the bridge that is a grade II listed monument dating from 1793 collapsed without any warning on a calm late spring afternoon.

Highways chiefs say that the bridge has been inspected in line with requirements and was last looked at in December 2015.

Amongst the questions from villagers is whether heavy lorries carrying stone over the bridge were in anyway linked to what happened.

Villagers also want to know when repair work will start and if there are any plans to put in a temporary bridge.

More than 100 villagers turned out for the meeting although barriers are keeping people away from the immediate vicinity of the bridge.

Afterwards Harriett Baldwin revealed that she has discussed the collapse with a Transport Minister and that she is demanding to know why it happened.

The MP wants a full investigation.

"The bridge is used by parents taking children to school, commuters, local businesses and farmers and is a vital lifeline for the community,” said Harriett Baldwin, whose West Worcestershire constituency includes Tenbury.

"It is clear that a long-term solution could be some way away and in the interim we need to explore all shorter term solutions.

"The county council is also looking at viable temporary solutions and we will report back to the local community as soon as possible.

"I have offered my support to anyone who needs it to bring solutions to the table and I will work with community leaders to keep everybody in the loop in the coming weeks."