GRAVE concerns over the state of the railway bridge linking Barry Island station to the main Barry station, have prompted a call for action.

Councillor Nic Hodges called the bridge a "time-bomb" and said that he believed there could be "disastrous" consequences unless action is taken.

Fellow Plaid Cymru Vale of Glamorgan councillor Steffan Wiliam joined cllr Hodges in urging Network Rail and the Vale council’s cabinet to ensure the bridge's safety.

Barry Island resident Matt Orum said he fears for peoples’ safety after observing corroded metal falling off the bridge which carries trains across the Harbour Road causeway.

Mr Orum, of Plymouth Road, said he believed vibrations from the increased volume of road traffic heading onto Barry island in recent years had placed added pressure on the bridge’s foundations.

He said: “The bridge looks like it’s crumbling. You can see loose bits and rusty metal.”

Cllr Wiliam said: “Several years ago, local residents drew our attention to the state of both the railway and road bridges and we asked for them to be properly inspected.

“Though we were assured at the time that the bridges were fine, further work has since been completed on the road bridge.

“The bridge is rusted through and bolts have fallen off the joists and girders. A full assessment needs to be conducted very urgently to assess how bad it is and whether it can be repaired.”

Cllr Nic Hodges added: “This dangerous bridge is now a time-bomb and unless action is taken swiftly the consequences could be disastrous.

“It doesn’t take an expert to see that the bridge is in a poor state. Even if the bridge were perfectly sound, the council has a responsibility to plan for the future. This means meeting the demands that increased tourism will make on our parking capacity and public transport arrangements."

Network Rail reassured residents and visitors of the bridge’s safety and said an inspection had taken place just three month ago.

A Network Rail spokeswoman said: “Thousands of our engineers work day and night across the country inspecting and maintaining the railway network as part of our ongoing commitment to rail safety.

“The Barry Island viaduct is regularly inspected. The most recent inspection was completed three months ago and there are no safety concerns.”