PERMANENT repairs are needed on one of the key routes into Christchurch.

That’s the message from local councillors to highways officials as long-term action is yet to be decided on the deteriorating Waterloo Bridge.

Despite repeated patching of various large holes and pieces of the road surface, councillors are now calling for a longer-term solution for the surface.

The bridge, which is near the council offices in Bridge Street, was temporarily repaired last week just before the Olympic torch relay passed over it.

But now many are demanding further works to properly reseal the surface.

The deterioration comes after the road was closed for nearly two months from September last year for extensive repairs to the bridge.

However, the work to protect the fabric of the bridge has since failed and exposed the waterproof membrane to the impact of passing traffic, threatening to undo the work carried out.

A spokesperson for Dorset County Council, who is responsible for the highways in Christchurch, said they were still waiting on results of investigations but that they were keeping an eye on the road.

They assured road users that the route was safe to use but until the results came back, they were unable to move forward with a solution.

Cllr Nick Geary, portfolio holder for transportation at Christchurch council, said: “I’m continually talking to the council about it but it will not be left as it is.”

Residents and local business owners say the road surface could be dangerous for cyclists and other users.

And county councillor Colin Jamieson said: “We were assured that officers from Dorset County were monitoring the surface structure twice a day, but were unable to effectively reseal the surface until just before the Olympic Torch Relay was due to pass.

“I understand that urgent talks are going on between Dorset County and the contractors to initiate a permanent repair.

“I have been in touch with our highways department and will continue to do so to ensure as far as is possible, that repairs are undertaken with minimal disruption to the travelling public at no cost to the community.”