A COUNCILLOR is working to stop “daredevil kids” who are risking their lives by messing around on the old Darcy Lever viaduct.

The iron structure dates back to 1848 - but protective fencing and gating has been breached several times over the last year, with schoolchildren often spotted dipping in and out of the damaged security measures.

The gating stops people from being exposed to the perilous plunge, but “daredevil” children ignorant to the danger need to have the route cut off, according to ward councillor Sean Hornby.

The viaduct is grade II listed and stands at an impressive 86 feet (26m) over the River Tonge below.

Cllr Hornby said: “It has been reported over the last year as we have had problems with it a few times.

“I have been told by officers that we have to wait on certain parts to be put up as it is a specialised job.

“The viaduct and the fencing around it gets vandalised quite often by children who are just daredevils usually aren’t they?

"But it is about 80 feet up and they just should not be up there.”

The viaduct and bridge was connected to the former Darcy Lever railway station, which closed decades ago.

A footpath over the bridge opened several years ago, although schoolchildren have not been sticking to its enclosed route.

Cllr Hornby has discussed the safety matter with the responsible authorities and is keeping an eye on the situation, having been down to check it out himself.

He said that he hoped the matter could be resolved as quickly and efficiently as possible, lest anything happen to a youngster in the meantime.

He added: “It has been a constant problem but it is being dealt with. It isn’t like it is an old fence as it is quite new so the caging around it needs to be improved for safety.

“We look at something like this as a priority. It is a safety issue but that part of Darcy Lever also has a lot of historical interest surrounding it and attracts visitors. These kids should know that they are putting their lives in danger and anything could happen.”