A MAN whose wife suffered serious bruising when she fell on a bridge says safety must be improved.

Anne Gordon had been shopping at Marks & Spencer and was making her way to a bus stop when she tripped on Framwellgate Bridge, in Durham City centre.

Mrs Gordon, 75, sustained heavy bruising on her face and body in the accident, shortly after 10am on Friday, August 10.

Her husband, Bob, has called for the area to be made safer.

"Anne was very shaken up," he said. "Fortunately, there was someone on the bus who brought her home. We are very thankful to them.

"I have heard from a number of other people who have fallen and it doesn't appear anything has been done.

"If you look at High Street or Millennium Place, they're perfect - but they don't get the pedestrian traffic that Framwellgate Bridge does.

"Quite frankly, it's time that Durham dragged itself into the 21st Century. It's time to bring it up to modern standards. It's been neglected for too long.

"People wanting to enjoy the view have to be able to walk around safely."

Framwellgate Bridge is a key walkway in Durham, with views of Durham Castle and cathedral.

Durham County Council treats the bridge as a top priority and inspects it fortnightly.

The bridge was inspected two days before Mrs Gordon's fall. Four defects were found and they were repaired the following day - only hours before Mrs Gordon's accident.

However, Mr Gordon has received support from Grenville Holland, his local city councillor.

Councillor Holland said: "This accident in the city centre begs the question how many more of our residents have fallen on these uneven pavements - and how many have fallen and not reported their injuries?

"We might also ask how many of our visitors have suffered a similar fate?

"For a considerable time, and despite warnings, the county council has allowed our pedestrian areas to deteriorate through poor repairs and restoration, and Mrs Gordon's unfortunate injuries are one consequence."

Durham County Council deputy area engineer Gordon Wingrove said: "We have a system of inspection and repair and our target is to complete repairs within 24 hours."