SECTIONS of the copper handrail on Northam Bridge have been stolen and the council is being urged to replace them.

The green copper handrail that acts as a protective surface has disappeared from parts of the bridge, leaving sharp and rusty bolts sticking out.

Southampton taxi driver and member of Unite Union Cab Section, Perry McMillan, first noticed the handrail had gone missing after driving over the bridge for work.

He told the Daily Echo: “The fact someone has taken the handrail in broad daylight is quite worrying.

“There’s only five ways over the River Itchen and Northam Bridge is one of them so it’s a significant route in and out of Southampton. The police and council really need to get on it and make sure that the person responsible is found and that this sort of thing can’t be condoned.

“I drive over the bridge practically every day and you could see over the course of a few days that more and more of the handrail was going missing.”

Daily Echo:

Next year will mark 70 years since Northam Bridge had its iron structure replaced with prestressed concrete, making it the first major prestressed concrete road bridge to be built in the UK.

A spokesperson for Southampton City Council said: “Southampton City Council’s Highways Service are aware of the missing sections of handrailing on Northam Bridge and are planning how to undertake permanent repairs.

“In the meantime, we are in the process of making sure that the parapet remains safe and are treating the theft of the sections of handrailing as a criminal matter.”

Daily Echo:

Perry added: “There are always stories going round of something being stolen unfortunately.

“In these times of austerity and people tightening their belts – crime increases because some people are unable to afford certain things, so to them it must be easier to steal it.

“I think people take it for granted but Southampton is split in two and roads that go over the likes of the Northam Bridge are crucial for transport – so you need it to be looked after.

Daily Echo:

“It makes the area look untidy; the council really need to look into replacing it.

“Old school cabbies, like myself and colleagues, take a great care in our city heritage. We have always been the eyes and ears of Southampton. People just need to be a bit vigilant.”