VANDALS are being blamed for the collapse of a heavily-used bridge over a Hampshire waterway.

The crossing on the north east side of the Itchen Navigation Canal near Bishopstoke has been described as “dangerous” after it fell into the weir.

Civic chiefs, who are planning to rebuild it, say the bridge has been the subject of “repeated acts of vandalism” and that it has suffered wear and tear over the years.

Safety barriers have now been installed.

But Hampshire County councillor Andy Moore says someone “could perish” if quick action is not taken to repair the crossing, which, he said, was used around 40 times an hour at peak times.

He said: “It is dangerous at the moment and there are concerns that children who have been making dams there might be swept away.

“This is becoming a very grave concern in the area and we need to move quickly.”

Cllr Moore said private funding had been secured to repair the bridge, which links Bishopstoke and Twyford.

He said the final cost of the project, including improved disabled access, could end up being around £80,000.

Hampshire County Council executive member for culture, recreation and the countryside, Keith Chapman, said: “The pedestrian bridge on the north east side of the Itchen Navigation Canal collapsed due to wear and tear, and repeated acts of vandalism.

‘Safety barriers’ “As a result, we have closed the route for safety reasons, and installed safety barriers and on-site maps with information of the alternative route that people can take, and these are regularly maintained.

“We appreciate the public’s patience to date and their continued co-operation.

“We fully appreciate the importance of this route both locally and for its wider links to Winchester; as such it has been classed as high priority, and work is now under way towards its replacement.”