West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed progress towards an initial plan laid out by the county council to help local people affected by the collapse of the bridge collapsed into the river Teme. But Harriett has also urged the council to involve the army where possible to make use of its expertise in this area, given that a Bailey bridge was installed in the area in the Second World War. The county council announced that it will start work clearing the damaged bridge next week and hopes to have a temporary solution in place 'by the end of the summer'. Harriett commented: "I am glad that Worcestershire County Council has made this pro-active statement as promised and set out a plan to help local people. "I have spoken to the local county councillor, Ken Pollock and offered him my help as a longer term solution is considered. "The steps to improve signage will be welcomed by local road-users and I am sure the council will keep monitoring the situation to get clear evidence on impact this incident is having on local people. "I hope that the army will be used to make a fast recce of potential sites for a new crossing and made that point to Councillor Pollock. "I know that the local community was worried that it may take years to get a temporary solution in place so I expect this statement will be broadly welcomed in and around Eastham and the surrounding villages."