Repair work to the now closed Old Tram Bridge last took place in 2014.

Campaigners who want Lancashire County Council to reopen the bridge had submitted a Freedom of Information request to the county council.

It revealed masonry repair work, and other repairs, took place in 2014 and cost £44,228.

In response to the FOI request the county council state: “The design and management of the scheme was carried out by what is now Design and Construction (Bridges) and the works were carried out by the County Council Highways (Bridges Operations) team.

“The information I have on the specific cost for the support in question that I can find is that the final works cost was £34,782 against works order QC000392

“Records show that the total cost of works carried out was £44,228 included some masonry repair and the design time plus overheads this included works carried out under works order QC000363

“The works were charged to the 2014/15 Preston Bridges Structural Maintenance Budget.”

The Old Tram Road bridge was closed to the public in late February due to fears it could collapse.

Originally built in 1802 the bridge spans the River Ribble from Avenham Park across onto the South Ribble side.

The county council say the bridge needs replacement of the bridge piers and concrete decks – built in the 1930s and 1960s.

A joint statement from Lancashire County Council and Preston City Council said: “We recognise how much people value the bridge, however the only option available was to close it after the recent inspection raised concerns about its safety.

“As is often the case with structures such as this, issues of ownership and maintenance responsibilities are not straightforward, however both councils are working closely together to determine them.

“In the meantime we are discussing the initial findings of the inspection report to consider the best way forward, and should be in a position to give people an update soon.”

Read more: Support for rebuilding the Old Tram Bridge as a ‘rainbow bridge’

A petition, created by Michael Nye, has been signed by more than 5,000 people calling for the bridge to be restored and reopened.