A CAMPAIGN to improve the look of a bridge described as 'hideous' has drawn the support of North Wiltshire MP James Gray.

The Victorian bridge on School Hill Road in Brinkworth was recently replaced by Network Rail as part of its electrification project and many residents feel they have ended up with a far less attractive crossing.

Network Rail’s electrification project will see more than 100 bridges rebuilt and Brinkworth residents have been trying to get theirs changed or decorated so that other towns and villages will not have to suffer the same fate.

After writing to North Wiltshire MP James Gray at least one Brinkworth resident has received a response confirming that he is backing their efforts to change the bridge.

In a letter to Network Rail Mr Gray wrote: “Along with so many of my constituents I have been absolutely horrified to see the ghastly metal contraption which Network Rail has erected at Brinkworth to replace the very pleasant old stone bridge which was there prior to your very necessary bridge heightening works.”

The North Wiltshire MP asked Network Rail whether a cladding of brick or stone could be added to lessen the impact the bridge had on the surrounding area.

He also said that allowing other bridges of a similar design to go ahead would see support for the company’s electrification disappear quickly.

He added: “It is simply unacceptable to cover an area like North Wiltshire in hideous metal bridges of the kind you seem to be proposing.

“I would be grateful for your urgent thoughts on the matter, which I might well seek to raise with the department for Culture, Media and Sport, English Heritage and others.”

Resident Martin Evans said: “It’s an absolute eyesore and a travesty that it’s been built to this design.

"This is a small rural village. We understand things have to progress. What they have actually put up is a joke. It looks like a recycled tin can."

“The colour just doesn’t fit and it just does not sit comfortably in this rural environment.”

Network Rail spokesman James Pritchard said that changes could be considered but maintained the position that bridges had to be constructed in a cost effective manner.

He said: “We appreciate the concerns raised by members of the community in Brinkworth about our bridge and have already met with a number of residents to discuss their views and to consider any possible improvements we may be able to put into place.

“This is something we will work on and have committed to discuss with the Parish Council in greater detail.

“We work very hard to ensure that all the works we are doing to electrify the railway are cost effective, functional and are supported by the communities who are our neighbours on the railway.”