RUSH hour traffic troubles could be set to continue in Hereford for several days after the closure of a city centre bridge.

The Old Bridge in Hereford was closed on Sunday after authorities became concerned about the safety of the structure.

Hundreds of people had gathered on the bridge, which was for centuries the city's main river crossing, to watch the huge swell of water rushing under its arches.

But pedestrians and vehicles were both ordered off the bridge yesterday afternoon after officials became concerned the potential dangers posed by the mass of debris that had collected, blocking the middle span of the bridge while the river was in full flood.

A Herefordshire Council spokesperson said the Old Bridge has now reopened to pedestrians and cyclists, but will remain closed to motor traffic until the Environment Agency remove debris at the base in the river. The bridge will be inspected before any decision is taken to reopen.