Work to defend the at-risk Alma Bridge and secure the crumbling cliff was due to be completed by highways crews as the Herald went to press yesterday (Thursday).

The project included protection of the walkway’s left-hand abutment, which was being made vulnerable by erosion of the cliff.

The crews were due to leave yesterday evening but will need to return to do the stone facing to match the existing abutments at a later date.

County highways chief Councillor Stuart Hughes said the second pour of mass concrete to underpin the cliff on the east bank of the River Sid was set to happen on Tuesday.

The project had been planned before Christmas but was delayed by tide times and contractor availability until last Monday.