A BUREAUCRATIC bungle means daredevils can continue jumping off a Hampshire bridge without fear of police action - as long as they leap off the right end!

A lack of joined-up thinking between two councils means that anyone "tombstoning" off the eastern end of the A27 Bursledon Bridge face arrest while those diving off the western half will get off scot-free.

Fareham Council has passed a by-law to make jumping off their side of the bridge illegal, but Eastleigh Council has failed to secure one for its half of the bridge.

So even though the eastern end is now a no-go zone for youngsters wanting to take the plunge into the River Hamble, the Eastleigh end still provides a platform for youths who fancy a cool down during the summer holidays.

Both councils joined forces last year in a bid to convince the Government that the law was needed but Eastleigh have failed to follow Fareham's speed in getting it enforced.

Eastleigh Council have started proceedings and expect their own by-law to be confirmed in early September but with the bridge proving a big attraction during the holidays, that may be too late for some.

The problem with bridge-jumpers has been getting worse over the past few years with youngsters continually ignoring the danger warnings.

With its very strong tide and strong undercurrent, the River Hamble poses a threat to youngsters.

Nine years ago a 16-year-old was scarred for life after leaping off the bridge and injuring his face.

The decision means that anyone caught tombstoning from the eastern side of the bridge can now be arrested by the police and charged.