REGARDING yopur report of the bridge closure (Advertiser, April 14).

While one appreciates that OUR bridge belongs to two counties, surely common sense can prevail and real alternatives can be found?

I would refer you to the Millennium book Eastham-within Living Memory,complied by Averil Opperman, in which it states,on page 43,that a Bailey bridge was erected over the River Teme on July 27 1943 by 617 Squadron, Royal Engineers at Rochford and a similar bridge at Eastham, around the same time.

Tenbury will be strangled with the closure of the bridge and long term damage will be sustained to the traders of the town that we are so proud to call our own.

May I suggest that Richard Attwood (Worcestershire County Council) and his opposite number in Shropshire County Council look,with great sincerity, at the impact such a threatened closure will have on our great town.

I expect all those associated in local politics,to stand up and be counted and prevent Tenbury and its town centre being turned into a cul de sac for the duration.

Tenbury could have a Bailey bridge, should have a Bailey bridge.

The gauntlet is down, I await in anticipation the measured responses.

Keep Tenbury Alive.

Roger M. Chedgzoy, Highwood, Tenbury Wells.