A FOOTBRIDGE that was refurbished and reopened under a year ago is already losing its surface and will have to be closed – again.

Diglis Basin bridge, which links Severn Way and Diglis Dock Road in Diglis, Worcester, over the river Severn, was refurbished and reopened in Spring last year around seven months later than planned.

But now, people passing over it have been having to tread carefully because the surface has begun to break up. Worcester City Councillor Roger Berry uses the bridge on a daily basis.

He said: “Clearly this is a problem for all users. The bridge is a great asset to the area and I hope this can be sorted out quickly.”

The bridge, which is owned by the Canal and River Trust, was refurbished in 2011 as part of Taylor Wimpey’s Diglis development and the right of way over the bridge is owned by Worcestershire County Council.

Derek Prodger, city and Worcestershire County Councillor for Bedwardine, was the cabinet member for transport at the time of completion of the Diglis Bridge scheme and saw all the work that has been done to it over the years.

He said he reported the bridge and work will soon begin to repair it.

“I have been in touch with the Canal and River Trust and Taylor Wimpey and they are going to completely resurface the the bridge but they’re waiting for the work round the Basin to be finished,” he said.

“They will have to close it for a day for it to be completed and I look forward to that being done.”

A spokesman for the Canal and River Trust said they have inspected the damage on the surface of the footbridge and are working with both Taylor Wimpey and the county council to find a quick solution.

He said: “We know it’s not ideal, the bridge is obviously still open, so would just remind people to take care when using it.”