PLANS to replace a footbridge at a Kidderminster park have proved to be "not straightforward," the local authority has admitted.

Wyre Forest District Council and Worcestershire County Council are currently working together to make sure a bridge in Springfield Park is replaced. 

Residents have been raising concerns over the long-term future of the bridge. 

Last summer the bridge was fenced off so it could be inspected. But vandals breached the barrier and the bridge was damaged beyond repair, according to Wyre Forest District Council.

The bridge is owned by Worcestershire County Council who is now arranging for it to be replaced.

Councillor Ben Brookes, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member for Operational Services said: “The district council’s officers have been working hard to find a solution.

"Providing a bridge replacement in the park is not straightforward. The Environment Agency has rules and a licence is required to do the works. This is because there are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) nearby.

"We’ve obtained the licence to do the works and now this is being carried out by Worcestershire County Council who own the bridge.

“The particularly bad weather over the winter months and into the Spring made for difficult conditions for working in the park, but the team at Wyre Forest has done a great job at improving and maintaining the path which links to another bridge just a few metres away. We’d like to thank the public for their patience while we work with the County Council to provide a suitable and sustainable bridge at Springfield.”

Wyre Forest District Council previously said that the brook which the bridge goes over is listed as a salmon breeding area. They said this has "restricted" them because of the salmon breeding season, which ran up to March.

Councillor Mike Rouse, cabinet member for highways and transport at Worcestershire County Council added: “We’re aware of residents’ concerns regarding the long term future of the bridge, and we’re pleased to be working with our district council colleagues to ensure that next steps are being taken in its replacement.”