People in Saltash are disappointed that the Royal Albert Bridge will not be looking its best for its 150th birthday celebrations in May.

Despite attempts by Saltash Town Council to get Network Rail to bring forward work to renovate the railway bridge in time for the big day, funding was only secured for the work in February.

'It is disappointing that green algae is covering the bridge and that it will be there for the celebrations,' said Derek Holley, Saltash town mayor.

'It isn't very nice to look at and it is a shame that it can't be painted because it would have been ideal if it could have been done a year ago.'

Richard Bickford, secretary for the Saltash Rail Users Group (SRUG), added: 'It is a shame the work won't be complete in time for the anniversary.

'A lot of people are disappointed, but it is a working bridge and complicated and will cost them a lot of money, so while it is a shame, what matters is that it gets done.'

Mavis Choong, a spokeswoman for Network Rail said: 'It will be a long process and it isn't as simple as painting a normal bridge.

'If we could have done it before the celebrations, it would have been better but we have to go through a funding process.

'A lot of organisation will go into it and safety is the most important thing.'

Network Rail gets funding from the Government every five years and funding was secured last month for improvement works to be carried out on the bridge, which opened on May 2, 1859.

The work, which will start in the summer, could take up to two years and will include strengthening work and a full re-paint of the Grade I listed structure which was designed by the Victorian engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Dayle Sellars, a spokesman for Network Rail, said: 'Network Rail remains committed to the renovation of the bridge and work is ready to commence following funding being secured in February.

'Plans for the restoration and improvement of the Royal Albert Bridge are in full swing and preparation work is due to start following the 150th anniversary in May.'

Network Rail has been working with train operators to allow for a celebratory walk across the bridge to happen on Sunday, May 3, and has postponed erecting scaffolding to allow for the walk to take place.

'We are supporting the anniversary of the bridge by organising a celebratory walk,' said Mr Sellars.

'In order for the walk to be fully enjoyed, any necessary scaffolding required on the structure will be postponed until after the event.'

Mr Holley said: 'Network Rail said it will carry out work in the summer and there are good reasons why it hasn't done it before.

'Network Rail has been extremely generous with the walk and has gone out of its way to help us.'

More than 900 people have applied to walk across the bridge on May 3.