Residents in Barnes, Richmond and across South West London were shocked last night when the Hammersmith & Fulham Council abruptly and without warning shut Hammersmith Bridge indefinitely when ‘critical faults’ were discovered.

Hammersmith Bridge is a vital link across the Thames for people north and south of the river. Its closure – and the consequent impact on six bus routes which are now diverted or will stop short – will affect many thousands of people directly, and even more indirectly as traffic dramatically increases on diversionary routes.