A FARMER fears a newly built bridge for ramblers over the River Skerne could be dangerous for small children.

Fred Welsh says youngsters could fall through a gap in the side of the bridge, which is on his farmland at Preston West Farm, Preston-le-Skerne, near Darlington.

But Network Rail, which built the bridge to replace a level crossing, and Durham County Council are both satisfied, after inspection, that it is safe.

Mr Welsh said he noticed the potentially lethal gaps when walking across the bridge with his four-year-old step-grandson.

He said: "When they finished work on the bridge I had a walk down with the grandson and I saw him all but fall in.

"They have made a good job of the bridge but just before the metal staircase starts there is a gap. A small child could quite easily slip through and into the water."

A county council spokesman said structural engineers and rights of way officers had been out to check the bridge, following a complaint from Mr Welsh.

"We are perfectly happy with the condition of the bridge and the safety of it, bearing in mind its location and the likely volume of use it is going to get," he said. "It is three miles away from the nearest settlement."

A Network Rail spokesman said safety was the key concern of the company. "With that in mind, we have sent engineers out with the council and there are no problems at all."

The bridge is not expected to be heavily used, with ramblers providing the main traffic. It was opened on Tuesday when the county council finished work on a stile.