COUNCIL chiefs are coming under pressure to agree extra safety measures in Worcestershire after the shocking collapse of Eastham Bridge.

In May the Grade II Eastham Bridge fell apart, with pieces of debris from the 200-year-old structure dropping into the River Teme, sparking an investigation which is still rumbling on.

A heroic school minibus driver ferrying children home was approaching the bridge at the time and only managed to divert off it seconds before disaster.

But the Eastham chaos has now led to calls for more action to be taken on the county's other ageing bridges.

Councillor Adrian Hardman, a former leader of Worcestershire County Council, says Eckington Bridge is "twice as old" and needs a weight restriction.

Councillor Hardman, who led County Hall for six years until January, said: "In view that Eckington Bridge is at least twice as old as Eastham Bridge and a vital link for Bredon road users, can (Councillor Marcus Hart, the cabinet member for highways) reassure users it is safe, and state when it was last inspected by his bridge department?"

Speaking during a full council meeting, Councillor Hart said the bridge was looked at in June and revealed an underwater diving team will also be examining it "later in the year".

"At the point of the last inspection no issues were identified that would raise concern with regards to safety, or to suggest that bridge is unsafe," he added.

Councillor Hardman said: "Can I ask that highways give some consideration - and I know this was looked at 15 years ago - on having a weight limit on that bridge?"

Councillor Hart replied: "I'm happy to give that assurance."

During the meeting Derek Trow, the school minibus driver at Eastham Bridge, was labelled "a hero" for his quick-thinking actions.

Councillor Tony Miller, the chairman, told the chamber he intended to visit him personally to pass on his gratitude.

He added: "His quick actions and his regard for his job and the children deserve real praise - we wouldn't like to think of the consequences it could have brought upon this county.

"I'd like to pay tribute to that driver for his actions at Eastham Bridge."

Last month West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin passed on serious concern about the Eastham Bridge collapse to Government ministers.

Work to rebuild it is expected to carry on for around six months.

An access ramp has been constructed at the site but angry residents want it resolved quicker.