The row over the reopening of Hammersmith Bridge hotted up this week when it was revealed that thousands of people have not been asked their views.

And with less than a month until all consultation papers have to be returned many have yet to see one.

West Barnes, Mortlake and East Sheen residents have so far missed out on the vote as to whether the bridge should be permanently closed to traffic.

And the matter got so desperate for one Barnes woman she went into the council offices, picked up a bundle of the forms, and started handing them out herself.

Four thousand of the 42,000 leaflets have yet to be delivered. A council spokesman apologised, but said it was in the hands of the Post Office. He said distribution had got a little behind but all leaflets should be out by the end of the week.

Many people on the Barnes side complain their lives have been made a misery since the bridge closed for repairs. They say up to 3,200 cars an hour now pass their front doors in peak periods.

Michele Passey, of the Bridge Too Far Group, said: "To suggest the closure of the bridge has caused minimal congestion in nearby areas is absurd."

Richmond Council is urging residents to fill in the questionnaires as soon as possible but comments will be accepted until June 15.

The forms are available from the Civic Centre and libraries. Completed forms should be returned to Chris Smith, Principal Engineer (Traffic), Civic Centre, 44 York St, Twickenham.

After the consultation Richmond Council will forward their findings to Hammersmith and Fulham Council who will decide which option to pursue.

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