After at least six months of concern about a dangerous footpath bridge Balfour Beatty have placed safety barriers around it.

Sometime last year local resident Laura Dobbs took photos of the bridge on the public footpath behind the Rowing Club because she was very concerned about the dangerous condition it was in.

She also saved a fellow dog walker who slipped on the bridge and would have ended up in the water below if not for her actions.

That lady, Mrs Esme McCorquodale, contacted her local Town Councillor Chris Bartrum. She said that the handrail is metal in concrete and has become detached in places exposing lots of ‘spiky metal’.

As the footpath is the responsibility of Herefordshire Council, Cllr Bartrum contacted County Councillor, Richard Mayo.

He let her know that Balfour Beatty were responsible for carrying out the repairs. Since then, Mrs Dobbs and Mrs McCorquodale told the Ross Gazette that, despite several reminders to their Councillors, nothing had happened.

Mrs McCorquodale spoke to the Ross Gazette last week about her concerns. She said: “Although there is no water under the bridge at the moment, if anyone fell in there is a lot of rubbish and broken glass which would be very dangerous.

“I would hate to think that the Council had been warned of a potentially dangerous situation and not done anything about it.”

The Ross Gazette contacted Herefordshire Council and received a response the next day. A Herefordshire Council spokesperson said: “The handrail on the footbridge on the Public Right of Way ZK9 is in need of repair, and it is on our programme of outstanding works. We will arrange for re-inspection and will make the bridge safe for users until such time as we can carry out permanent repairs.”

Mrs McCorquodale reported seeing the safety barriers at the footpath when she took her morning walk.

Mrs Dobbs said she the was pleased to see them as it would make people aware of the problem and she hopes it will be made safe as soon as possible.

Mrs McCorquodale added: “It really needs completely replacing but at least it is safer now.”