Early morning commuters, joggers and dog walkers have reacted angrily to the news that Richmond Lock footbridge is to be locked overnight.

The bridge, which connects Twickenham and Richmond, will be closed each night at 7.30pm during the winter and at 9.30pm in the summer months and reopened again at 6.30am.

The Port of London Authority (PLA), which owns the bridge, said it hoped the closures would put a stop to vandalism, antisocial behaviour and dog fouling, which have become a problem.

In recent months, lock staff have complained of assaults and vandalism to vital electronic equipment used to control the weir.

But pedestrians and cyclists who use the bridge as a shortcut across the river from Twickenham and Isleworth to Richmond, Old Deer Park and Kew, said closing the bridge at night will not punish vandals, but merely hinder those using the bridge lawfully.

North St Margaret's Residents' Association environment spokesman Simon Fullalove said: "People who use the bridge for early morning dog walks and jogging will find this decision astonishing."

Richmond Council is supporting the PLA's decision, and gave planning consent to the building of gates at either side of the bridge in December.

St Margaret's and North Twickenham ward Councillor Annie Hambidge said: "For too long the area has suffered from vandalism and in particular excessive dog fouling. At the same time the bridge has become a magnet for all sorts of undesirable types, especially after dark."

But opposition councillors from North Twickenham and St Margaret's Liberal Democrat group said the closure was a step too far.

Secretary Trevor Whittall said: "We accept that staff deserve protection, but with a river police station on site and CCTV in use the problem can be tackled without this intrusive measure."

The footbridge will close for essential painting and refurbishment for 10 weeks from May 4 and the closures will begin on its reopening.

cdutton@london.newsquest.co.uk