A COLLISION in the early hours of last Sunday severely damaged Tenbury's Teme Bridge.

Two solid iron sections on the western side of the ancient monument were forced into the river on impact, leaving a 12-foot gap.

The Bridge Works from Worcestershire County Council were immediately called in to make the bridge safe for vehicles and pedestrians.

Divers are now being enlisted to try and reclaim missing and damaged bridge rails and parts from the river bed. The Department of Ancient Monuments and English Heritage have also been informed.

Richard Attwood from Bridge Works told the Advertiser on Tuesday: "The damage is substantial and, with agreement from English Heritage, we are currently making the bridge safe.

"People should be aware that the Teme Bridge is a Grade I ancient monument and permission is needed from the Secretary of State before repairs can be made.

"This alone could take several weeks but once we get the go ahead we will proceed with repairs as quickly as possible.

"Until then, we have erected a temporary structure to protect the community while divers attempt to recover as many of the original parts of the bridge as possible."

Built around 1310, the bridge is now considered to be of outstanding historical interest and value. Over the centuries it has seen changes: after a pedestrian was killed by a cart, Thomas Telford advised on widening and the bridge, as we know it now, was further widened in 1911.

"I am very sad to hear that someone has had an accident and I hope they are not badly hurt," said the Mayor of Tenbury, Councillor Maureen Pardoe.

"The Teme Bridge is the gateway to our town, bringing in many visitors. We hope the authorities involved will put it on the top of the priority list for a speedy repair."

In a written statement, South Worcester Police confirmed: "The woman driver of the car, a white and grey Nissan Sunny SLX and a male passenger, suffered shock in the incident. Their injuries were described at the time as not serious. The woman was taken to Hereford County Hospital accident and emergency department as a precaution."

A woman was arrested in connection with the incident and has been bailed to appear at Worcester Magistrates' Court today (Thursday).

Police are appealing for witnesses of the accident, or who saw the car being driven immediately prior to it, to contact them on 08457 444888 quoting 5C/160105.