THE causes of the collapse of Eastham Bridge could be known within weeks.

But Worcestershire County Council have not said if the findings from the experts will be made public.

John Fraser, engineer from the county council, told more than 70 people at a public meeting in Eastham Village Hall that work to have a temporary bridge in place within six months is on track.

But he said that rules had to be followed and that there had been discussions with Natural England, Historic England and the Environment Agency.

Three companies have been short-listed for providing a temporary bridge and it is still expected that this will be open before Christmas.

Work so far has included drilling and taking soil samples. He added that periods of apparent inactivity did not mean that the plan to provide a temporary bridge as soon as possible is not on track.

It is not known if the temporary bridge will need planning permission from Malvern Hills District Council but, if this is the case, it is not envisaged that it will cause any delay to the project.

But villagers were told that no decision had been made about the bridge that collapsed dramatically at the end of May.

It was also reported that, where practicable, some widening of country lanes had taken place and that signage had been improved.