RICHMOND upon Thames Council will soon begin a three year comprehensive renovation of Teddington's iron footbridge over the Thames, linking Ham and Teddington for cyclists and pedestrians.

MP Dr Vincent Cable claims the news is a victory for himself, Ham residents and the Teddington Society, who have campaigned for its restoration. He believes the council's action to preserve the bridge - originally built between 1887 and 1889 - is long over due.

Dr Cable commented: "The bridge is a fine piece of Victorian engineering and an immensely valuable local amenity; it is ludicrous that it is rotting away because of lack of paint. The council has now promised action and it must deliver."

Cllr David Marlow, cabinet member for the environment and planning, said: "Renovating the bridge has always been on our programme and is part of the massive back log of work left behind by the previous Lib Dem council. And I don't recall him Dr Cable making any fuss about the bridge in the past."

He continued: "During the process of planning its restoration, we had discussions with the Teddington Society and worked with structural engineers. From doing this we found that major repairs were needed. Merely painting it would have been futile and a waste of people's money. Maybe that's the sort of short-stop programmed carried out by Lib Dems but this council's policy is to make proper, long term repairs to preserve this much loved bridge for the future."

The work will be carried out over three a year period at a total cost of £600,000 - with £210,000 due to be spent this year.

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