A BRIDGE that collapsed into the river Teme was inspected within the past six months according to Worcestershire County Council.

The council yesterday (Wednesday) released a statement saying the bridge was regularly inspected and its highways team went over and above government guidelines when it came to the safety of its bridges.

Cllr Marcus Hart, cabinet member for highways at Worcestershire County Council said: "The most important thing is that no one was hurt in this incident but we do understand the frustrations that people now face because of the diversions to their regular journeys.

"Our engineers have been on site at Eastham Bridge since it collapsed and they are continuing their detailed investigations.

"The bridge has regularly been inspected.

"At Worcestershire County Council we go over and above what is set out by government guidelines when it comes to the safety of our bridges.

"Eastham Bridge was last inspected in December last year.

"We will be talking to our colleagues at the Environment Agency, English Heritage and Natural England whilst our investigations continue.

"The work is going to be complex as the River Teme is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and the bridge is grade two listed.

"We will be keeping local residents up to date with our plans as they develop."