A WORCESTERSHIRE MEP is demanding a "thorough investigation" into the collapsed Eastham Bridge - blaming Government cuts.

Worcester-based MEP James Carver, a UKIP politician in Brussels, says it is "vital" Worcestershire County Council gets to the bottom of why it happened.

Mr Carver also said it was "extremely lucky" nobody was hurt, and told the Worcester News he felt it was a consequence of years of Whitehall cuts to local authority budgets.

The Grade II listed bridge, near Tenbury, suddenly crumbled and fell into the River Teme on Tuesday afternoon.

We revealed yesterday how two minibus drivers carrying schoolchildren had a narrow escape after managing to reverse off the structure seconds before it fell apart, narrowly avoiding disaster.

Mr Carver said: "Given the number of vehicles that use this bridge it was extremely lucky nobody was injured.

"Questions need to be raised, including when was the bridge last inspected and was this event preventable?

"Given the poor condition of the road network in our region it's vital local councils implement a thorough review to help avoid such circumstances.

"With significant Government cuts to local authorities the consequences are now being felt.

"The mantra of 'invest to save' must be adopted by local authorities to help avoid such potential tragedies.

"A full investigation must take place and people held to account if necessary.

"Local events like this demonstrate the true cost of long-term austerity and where the Government should be investing taxpayers' money instead of wasting it on unnecessary vanity projects in Europe."

The county council has already confirmed it is carrying out a detailed inspection of the bridge and is in contact with the Environment Agency, English Heritage and Natural England over it.

Yesterday it emerged how the structure had last been inspected in December last year, with highways engineers going above and beyond Government guidelines on it.

Councillor Marcus Hart, the cabinet member for highways, said: "The work is going to be complex as the River Teme is designated a Site of Specific Scientific Interest, and the bridge is Grade II listed.

"We'll be keeping local residents up to date with our plans as they develop."

Drivers now face a 10-mile diversion away from the collapsed C2091 bridge along the A443 - a position which is expected to remain the same for months.

In the last four years the county council has had to slash around £120 million from its spending, but has fiercely protected highways spending.