LIVES are being put at risk by yobs who have vandalised a bridge in Bolton.

A councillor says it is only a matter of time before someone falls 300ft to their death, after youths cut through safety mesh on the bridge.

Youngsters have been seen scrambling on top of the wire netting of the enclosed viaduct, over the A666 and River Tonge, which was opened last summer for walkers and cyclists.

The cycle route follows the old railway between Bolton and Bury and runs from Scholey Street in Bolton to Knowsley Street in Bury to provide a safe route for cyclists, walkers and horseriders.

The council says it is looking to urgently repair the damage but one councillor has warned that the popular skywalk may have to be shut on safety grounds if it continues to be vandalised.

Cllr Sean Hornby said: "There are six breaches in the bridge's cage and it has been reported as a crime.

"Teenagers have been climbing along the mesh after using wire cutters get through and run across it.

"All it takes is one trip and a child will fall 300ft to their death.

"This is a mindless anti-social act. I don’t think the youths realise the danger they are putting themselves in.

"It is very dangerous and only a matter of time before someone is killed.

"Parents need to talk to their children. This is not about having a go at youngsters — what they are doing is very dangerous."

He added: "This anti-social behaviour may lead to the popular bridge being closed as repairs are carried out."

The fence has been cut away at the Lever Bridge section over Radcliffe Road, Darcy Lever.

Below are the river and cottages in Mount Pleasant.

A Bolton Council spokesman said: "Local residents had already reported the vandalism to us and we already have our contractor preparing to carry out the specialist repairs as soon as possible."

A police spokesman said: “There were reports of damage to the cycle path and the council were alerted to it.

“Criminal damage to safety railings covering the path is being investigated.”

The skywalk was built following a £1.4 million grant from the government's Local Sustainable Transport Fund.