Richmond council has set aside a further £2.7m to fund major repairs at two bridges over the River Thames.

The council had already approved a budget of £3.9m to fund works to the footbridges at Teddington Lock, but later found them to be in worse condition than expected.

The scheme is being carried out in phases following an inspection of the suspension and lockcut footbridges, which are next to each other, in 2019. The Grade II listed structures were built in 1889 and connect Teddington to Ham.

The first phase of the works, due to be completed this year, includes repairing or replacing steelwork across the structures and applying protective paint.

The second stage will see the ramp at the southern end of the suspension footbridge on Ferry Road replaced and is due to begin by January 2024.

Design work required for the replacement of bearings on the lockcut footbridge will be carried out in phase three of the project. Phase four will involve the replacement of these bearings.

The council's finance committed approved the addition of £1.7m to the scheme's budget for works in 2023/24 and another £1m for 2024/25 on November 16, bringing the total budget so far to £6.6m. This includes the first three phases of the scheme, while a funding request for phase four will be submitted to the committee in early 2024.

A fresh council report said: "There are additional cost increases associated with phase one works due to the condition of the bridges being far worse than anticipated. This has resulted in extensive additional preparation and repair works, including steel replacement and welding of new members. This is alongside the cost of the system provided to maintain public access during peak times.

"Phase two costs have also seen an increase following early contractor engagement, completing the design and obtaining consents associated to the ramp works. There is a requirement for temporary works, including a cofferdam, not only for the works but also for the safe provision of a temporary access ramp during the works."

At the meeting, Lib Dem councillor Robin Brown welcomed the investment into the bridge. He said: "It is clearly complex work and costing quite a bit, but I think it's really an essential crossing for our area."

He added: "Whilst I appreciate there's more phases, I think it's also encouraging that we're doing what we need to do for the long-term so it feels like once we've done this job we won't need to touch the bridge for quite a while."