LONG-AWAITED plans to replace the Riversdale Swingbridge have caused concern among people living nearby.

The prospect of a replacement bridge has alarmed neighbours - with some even doubting whether the bridge should be reopened at all.

The bridge over the Weaver has been out of action since November 2004, when British Waterways discovered it was in a dangerous condition.

Its closure caused a public outcry. The path between The Crescent, Northwich and Robert Street, Castle, was cut, causing a one-mile diversion along London Road and across Hayhurst Bridge for pedestrians and cyclists.

Now Cheshire County Council and sustainable transport charity Sustrans have joined forces to replace the bridge, with the aim to secure funding from a Restoration-style TV show later this year.

Hundreds of people have already pledged their support to the project via the Sustrans website, www.sustransconnect2.org.uk, and Sir John Deane's College governor David Roberts said his students would benefit as they are now left to use cars or buses to get to lectures.

But residents who live nearby are canvassing the views of neighbours amid fears the bridge will become a gathering point for under-aged drinking, drug dealing and rowdyism.

One said: 'We can see the wider benefits of the bridge to the community, but Sustrans and the council are creating problems for the people who live here.'

Another Crescent resident, who did not want to be named, said: 'We suffered from frequent incidents of vandalism and drug dealing before the bridge broke. We have had none of it for nearly three years and we fear its return.'

Peter Foster, Sustrans area manager, said: 'The design is based on the original bridge and there is no concourse for people to gather, but we do appreciate people's concerns and all these issues will come out during the consultation process.'

Sustrans is bidding for funding against five other major, individual, projects nationally. The rival schemes will be featured on TV and the public asked to vote for the winner.

Weaver Valley management board chairman Mike Cooksley said: 'The bridge provides a vital piece of the jigsaw in our tourist-based plans.'