By Joanne Kelly

THERE are fears that hundreds of children using a railway bridge are at risk.

Buses carrying children use the bridge to get to George Ward School at Melksham.

Melksham Town Council invited Ian Janes, district highways surveyor for Wiltshire County Council, to its meeting on Monday to discuss highway matters, including Dunch Lane.

Mr Janes admitted the bridge was weak and the county council was considering closing the road to through traffic.

Town councillor Angie Barker, who lives in Dunch Lane, said: "How weak is the bridge and are residents and children in danger? This is a bombshell. I, among others, use the bridge every day it is a worry."

Peter Binley, highways engineer for Wiltshire County Council, said the bridge had been built a number of years ago and was not up to modern day standards.

Mr Binley said: "It is sub-standard but it will not fall down."

The county council will assess the structure of the bridge and then consult Dunch Lane residents.