RAIL bosses plan to spend £200,000 improving a gateway into Knutsford.

Network Rail hopes to spend the money on improvements to the bridge in King Street, but unsafe structures will have to be repaired first.

"While the bridge may not look the best, it is perfectly safe so the refurbishment is cosmetic rather than an urgent necessity," said spokesman Keith Lumley.

Bosses want to repair and paint the ironwork, parapets, brickwork and pigeon netting.

But the refurbishments will not start for two years because the money is not available.

Last week Knutsford Mayor Tony Ranfield said the repairs were already overdue.

"It's an absolute disgrace," he said.

"That place should be a gateway to Knutsford, but it's just a mess."

Others passing the bridge on Wednesday agreed.

Abdullah Khan, 38, who had travelled 180 miles from London to visit Knutsford, said the rust created a bad impression.

"It looks like it's in a state of disrepair," he said.

Phillip Tickle, 49, of Warren Close, Knutsford, said companies could put adverts on the bridge to cover one side.

Other residents believed the structure should be painted.

Last year the Mid-Cheshire Community Rail Partnership said the railway bridge was a mess.

Residents also complained about pigeons that were pooing on visitors and leaving muck on the pavements. Officials eventually put up netting to stop the birds sitting on the bridge.

Last week Gary Smith, 36 and of Chelford Road, said the bridge was unsightly.

"I don't often look up there, but it does look pretty pathetic," he said.

A 'Welcome to Knutsford' decoration was once hung from the bridge at Christmas.

But three years ago vandals smashed the lights and threw pieces onto the railway line.

Last week Councillor Ranfield said Knutsford Town Council should put up a more permanent welcome sign.

"I would think between us we could at least do that and be proud of it," he said.