WORK on Flatts Bridge (above) that was to be completed by the end of last year will be undertaken this summer, according to the Ministry of Works and Engineering.

Last August, it was reported that the Ministry determined the footpath, the support beam for the footpath and the guard railing to be in poor condition. A spokesperson at the time stressed there was no danger to pedestrians but that regular inspections would take place until the work was finished.

A complete structural inspection was completed on the bridge in June 2007, which included an underwater survey of its abutments. According to the Ministry: "The bridge was found to be structurally sound and in good condition with the exception of the northern footpath. Temporary shoring has been in place under this footpath to ensure that it is adequate for pedestrian traffic."

In a Letter to the Editor published in The Royal Gazette in May of this year, a concerned citizen reported that the bridge was "literally falling to pieces. Over the past year the bridge continued to fall into disrepair. A lot of the hand rails have fallen out and plastic bags had been tied to the remaining ones." According to the Ministry, work has already begun: "Repairs to the handrails on the bridge were completed last weekend and a work proposal will be issued to begin repairs to the footpath and replacement of all railings on the bridge."