Richmond's MP has welcomed news the government will contribute to the stabilising pf Hammersmith Bridge, which is necessary if it is to ever re-open to cars and buses.

Ministers have agreed to contribute £2.93m to the scheme with similar sums coming from Transport for London (TfL) and Hammersmith & Fulham Borough Council.

Cracks in the pedestals of the 135-year-old cast-iron structure mean motor vehicles have been banned from using it since April 2019, which has caused disruption and jams across south west London.

It closed in August 2020 and was later reopened to pedestrians, cyclists and river traffic in July last year.

The stabilisation work will only be sufficient to guarantee the bridge is safe to be used by pedestrians, cyclists and river traffic.

This work should be completed by the end of this year and it is hoped that a further refurbishment scheme to allow the return of vehicles will begin next year.

Richmond Park MP, Sarah Olney, accused the government of being slow to support the work on what is a crucial part of London's infrastructure.

She welcomed the news but said the government's record on re-opening the bridge is 'incredibly disappointing'.

The MP said: "A cost-sharing deal between the Department for Transport (DfT), Hammersmith & Fulham Council (LBHF) and TfL was proposed back in June last year, yet only today has the government confirmed that it will provide its share.

"In that time, the DfT-led Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce has met just four times and spent over £400,000 on a replacement ferry service that was never even launched.

"As my constituents know only too well, the government's efforts to reopen the bridge have been far below the mark and any attempt to gloss over that does the people of South West London a great disservice.

"I strongly urge the government to capitalise on their newfound enthusiasm and work constructively and swiftly with LBHF and TfL to identify and fund an engineering plan for strengthening works so that vehicles can once again cross the river."

Hammersmith & Fulham Council has already begun the stabilisation work, which involves filling the pedestals with concrete and fitting steel frames around them.

The project is due to be completed by the end of the year. Once completed, it is hoped that work to reopen the bridge to motor traffic is expected to take place.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "Today, I'm giving Londoners reassurance this Government will do everything in its power to keep this vital, historic structure open.

"We're investing millions into its restoration, ensuring local residents can continue to cross the river by foot or bike, and I look forward to working further with the local council on future works to reopen the bridge to motorists."

Roads minister Baroness Vere said: "This is an incredibly important day in the long history of Hammersmith Bridge.

"Following an enormous amount of work by engineers, Government, the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, and TfL, I can confirm we will be injecting millions of pounds into its restoration, so it stays open to pedestrians, cyclists and river traffic.

"We will not lose momentum. Work is already under way to ensure the structure is reopened to motorists as soon as possible and returned to its former glory."

TfL confirmed it will also provide a third of the required funding.

Alexandra Batey, TfL's director of investment delivery planning, said: "We are pleased to be able to support the vital stabilisation works on Hammersmith Bridge alongside the Department for Transport and Hammersmith and Fulham Council.

"We are all working to agree a long-term funding solution that will enable the crossing to open to buses and other vehicles."