The extended deadline for return of questionnaires on the future of Hammersmith Bridge is just days away.

People and businesses have until June 15 to register their views with Richmond Council.

The big question is whether the bridge should be reopened to traffic, and people against it say they have around 93 per cent support for their case.

The final phase of work to strengthen the Grade II listed bridge began on June 1 and will last almost a year. Bearings will be replaced in the tower on the Hammersmith side, and trusses and hangers - part of the bridge's "suspension" design - will be replaced or modified.

Traders in Barnes have complained business has suffered since the closure because they have become isolated.

The deadline for submissions was extended because thousands of people had not received their questionnaires in time. The council blamed the Post Office, which in turn denied it was at fault.

Once the consultation period is over Richmond Council will pass on its views to Hammersmith and Fulham Council, which will then decide which option to pursue.

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