Unfinished repairs at Flatts Bridge in Hamilton Parish – for problems first highlighted two years ago – have left members of the public shocked.

Work on the bridge, which was to be completed by the end of the 2007, still remains outstanding after the Ministry of Works and Engineering assured repairs would be conducted last summer.

In June of 2007, a complete structural inspection was performed on the bridge, including an underwater survey of the abutments.

The survey found that while the bridge was mostly in good shape, the northeastern footpath was in poor condition, along with the guardrails and a support beam.

Temporary shoring was installed to ensure safety for pedestrians and that August a spokesperson for the Ministry stated that work on the bridge repairs would be completed by the end 2007.

Last June, the Ministry workers completed some repairs on the wooden guardrails of the bridge, with the rest of repairs to be completed by the end of the summer.

Almost a year later residents noticed that it is still not repaired and the condition of the bridge has become more deplorable and dangerous.

"Today, we were shocked to see the deplorable and dangerous condition of the Flatts Bridge next to the Aquarium. At least two-year old temporary supports installed by our Works and Engineering are also now showing signs of deterioration and could evolve into a terrible accident, due to neglect," said concerned residents Toppy and Saundra Cowen.

They added: "We are, of course, horrified that something has not been done sooner, as the atrocious appearance deserves immediate attention. Structural engineers who may deem this bridge is in a safe state are running out of time, as we think a disaster could occur at any time. Excuses, if a tragedy occurs, are not acceptable."

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Works and Engineering said they have forwarded this issue to the technical officer and await a response, sometime today, as to when this issue would be dealt with.