MOVES to scrap a footbridge over a railway line in Southampton because of vandalism worries will come under the microscope today.

Council chiefs last month backed plans by Network Rail to stop people using the walkway above the multi-track line by Priory Road in St Denys.

Rail bosses hope it will eventually be removed because of antisocial behaviour and the poor condition of the structure.

In June a metal item was thrown on to the track from the footbridge, causing damage to the line and severe disruption to train services.

The decision to back the request will be looked at by the council's environment and transport scrutiny panel amid claims not enough people were consulted beforehand.

Panel chairman Councillor Richard Williams said: "This footbridge closure may or may not be a good idea, but as far as I can work out very few people have been informed about it.

"I've had a couple of phone calls asking what is going on. I heard that only people in two roads around the footbridge were contacted."

Now the council has backed the request, it will go before magistrates to make the final decision.

A report prepared by council officers said: "The location and environment of this footbridge leads it to be used for acts of vandalism and similar anti-social behaviour.

"These are not themselves reasons in law to have the route stopped-up, but supports the greater use of existing alternative routes on public safety grounds."

Network Rail said the bridge would have needed to be replaced in around 15 years and the cost of that, including anti-vandal caging, would be about £880,000.

Council officers said there was a better, safer route by nearby Horseshoe Bridge.

A city council spokesman said the matter would be publicised to allow people to make comments before it went to magistrates.