West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has today welcomed news that work will start on a replacement bridge across the river Teme early next month. The historic Eastham bridge was swept away in June after serious underwater erosion damaged the structure. A minibus driver ferrying local school children averted disaster by reversing off the bridge as it collapsed. Since June, Worcestershire County Council has been investigating the causes of the collapse and identifying a solution to allow local people to get to and from their homes to school, work and Tenbury town centre. Harriett has been working with the council officials to secure a solution and experts have now identified a plan which will see work begin on a replacement bridge in early October. Harriett commented: “This week, I was briefed on plans to start work on the new bridge and I hope that it is 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. “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.”