A VILLAGE divided by a road closure is within one meeting of reunification.

Herefordshire councillors have agreed in principal to erect a bailey bridge in Colwall.

But they may press for legal action against owners Network Rail, who have been accused of seriously neglecting the bridge being temporarily replaced.

Photographs showing fist-sized holes and corrosion under the B4218 railway bridge were displayed during Wednesday's (Jan 2) meeting of the Environment Scrutiny Committee.

The problems were spotted in girders during an inspection in August, leading to the full closure of the road.

It has since re-opened to traffic under three tonnes, following a route over less deteriorated beams.

The evidence, along with officer claims that Network Rail were unlikely to carry out bridge engineering work within two years, led to calls for the Health & Safety Inspectorate to get involved.

The suggestion and a recommendation to approve a temporary crossing will now go to cabinet, who will decide whether to order a £450,000 bailey bridge later this month. If they approve, the bridge could be fabricated and installed within 10 weeks.

Talks with Network Rail over sharing the costs of a permanent replacement continue.