Putney MP Fleur Anderson has called on the Prime Minister for full and urgent funding for the restoration of Hammersmith Suspension Bridge.

The bridge has been closed indefinitely since August 13, after cracks worsened in the heatwave.

In a joint letter to the Prime Minister, local MPs and Council Leaders have backed calls for immediate action to end local travel disruption.

Speaking on the bridge closure Ms Anderson said:

“Since the closure of the bridge the people of South West London have faced considerably longer public transport journeys including unacceptable journey times to local hospitals.

“The complete closure also rules out daily walking and cycling for many at a time when they are being urged by Government to avoid public transport.

“Increased traffic and emissions on pressured diversion routes will only get worse when schools return in September. The bridge must be made safe and brought back to use immediately to avoid any further disruption to travel and our schools.

“The Government’s failure to fund a long-term solution for Hammersmith Suspension Bridge blatantly ignores the needs of local bridge users and businesses. I have asked for a meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss these concerns and ask for assurance that the bridge will not be neglected to costly deterioration.”

As the re-opening of schools nears, the question of how to navigate the school run looms.

Plans have been floated by the council to ferry children across the Thames in a boat, due to the closure of Hammersmith Bridge to pedestrians and cyclists.