Government has reassured the public Flatts Bridge is safe after concern by some residents over the temporary supports.

Members of the public expressed concern to The Royal Gazette last week about their safety.

Toppy and Saundra Cowen said: "At least two-year-old temporary supports installed by our Works and Engineering are now showing signs of deterioration and could evolve into a terrible accident, due to neglect."

The temporary supports were installed after the Ministry of Works and Engineering noticed, in 2005, "deterioration" in two concrete beams supporting the sidewalk on the northern side of the bridge, at the eastern end.

"Temporary supports were installed to strengthen the beam until it was practical to carry out repairs," said a Government spokesman last night.

He said an inspection this week has concluded there is "sufficient support". The awaited repairs to the sidewalk will also go out to tender next month.

"The temporary supports were inspected this week and although unsightly, they provide sufficient support to ensure the safety of all who use Flatts Bridge," said the spokesman.

"It is important to note that only the sidewalk in this part of the bridge is affected by this issue and that the part of the bridge that carries vehicular traffic is in good condition, with no repair work required.

"Repairs to the sidewalk were designed by Ministry engineers. This took longer than would be ideal as a result of staff shortages in the Structures Section of the Ministry.

"In order to expedite the work, an external consultant has been contracted to prepare documentation to allow the work to go to tender. These works are expected to be tendered next month."

The Ministry originally said work on the bridge would be completed by the end of 2007. Last June, staff completed some repairs to the wooden guard rails, but repairs to the northeastern footpath are still outstanding.