WORK to permanently replace the collapsed Eastham Bridge, near Tenbury, with a contemporary new design will begin next month.

Worcestershire County Council says the new steel single-span, brick-cladded bridge will be built on the same site as the previous crumbled structure, and will be completed by April 2017.

The Grade II listed bridge suddenly collapsed into the river Teme in May, moments before two minibuses carrying schoolchildren were due to cross it.

According to the council, the historic structure probably collapsed because fast moving water had weakened the bridge’s foundations.

Councillor Marcus Hart, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways at the county council, said: "I am delighted that we are now in a position to be able to announce the construction of a new bridge at Eastham.

"We recognise the significance this bridge has on the lives and livelihoods of people in the area, which is why we have made every effort to come up with the best, long term solution as quickly as possible.

"The new bridge that we will be building cannot be a like for like replacement for the old, listed bridge, but it will include some of the original elements of the old bridge and most importantly will get people moving across the river as quickly as possible."

The council has not yet revealed the cost of the work, but said it will release a figure in the near future.

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin welcomed the news, and called for the bridge to be "delivered as soon as possible".

"This plan has taken some delicate negotiations with several regulatory bodies and I am grateful that agreement has been reached and work can begin," she said.

"Obviously the work will be carried out over the winter time so it is crucial that we don’t have a very wet or cold winter which will affect the timelines to getting a new bridge open.

"I am sure the local county councillor, Ken Pollock, will keep a close eye on the work and report back as the project moves forward."