The world's smallest drawbridge should never again be opened for boats, according to two would-be Government MPs.

Ted Gauntlett and Ralph Richardson, UBP candidates for Sandys South, have turned on their own minister's proposal to rebuild Somerset Bridge as a working drawbridge.

Instead, they want to see the bridge reconstructed as a solid structure with no drawbridge function -- to save time and money and make it safer to swim nearby.

And they said a replica Somerset Bridge drawbridge for tourists could be built close to the original.

Works and Engineering Minister Jim Woolridge has revealed work to demolish and replace Somerset Bridge will get underway by the end of this month.

He was unavailable to comment on the alternative proposal yesterday.

But Mr. Gauntlett and Mr. Richardson wrote to him with their alternative plan for the bridge.

They applauded Mr. Woolridge for the decision to rebuild a bridge which was in "a substantially deteriorated condition''.

But their joint letter added: "We would nevertheless respectfully pose a somewhat different solution to this obvious need if we as a community are in fact reasonably permitted to examine alternative solutions to this problem.'' They claimed the existing bridge was unlikely to be used regularly as a drawbridge.

The letter added: "We instead recommend that it be solely and therefore quickly reconstructed as a simply supported reinforced concrete structure without a drawbridge function.'' The two House of Assembly candidates claimed the marine approach east of the bridge should be "tapered off'' to improve access for motorboats during strong winds.

And they claimed an exact replica of the original drawbridge should be built between Wharf Drive and the railway pier for amateur fishermen and swimmers.

Mr. Gauntlett and Mr. Richardson said community groups could then start springboard diving to stop youngsters jumping off the original bridge.

They said night fishing clubs could also be encouraged.

The letter added: "Amateur fishermen and swimmers alike would thereby be wisely removed from the obvious risks attendant upon their present utilisation of both Somerset Bridge and Somerset Bridge Public Wharf.

"Everyone presently simply lives in hope that no serious injury will befall all of those great many youngsters who regularly tempt providence by swimming there.'' Officials from Works and Engineering have announced that three more bridges are to be repaired or replaced as part of an Island-wide review costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Experts are about to begin an engineering investigation of the Swing Bridge in St. George's.

The Fort George footbridge -- which gives access to the Harbour Radio HQ -- is to be replaced and ministers are in talks with the US Government to discuss improvements and maintenance to the Causeway.