Network Rail wants the thick metal walls of the bridge at Matlock Railway Station to be raised to 1.8 metres after youths were spotted jumping off the structure.

But Snitterton Road resident Isabella Stone from the Matlock Footbridge Campaign fears the bridge will be made worse if the work is carried out.

She added: "I've seen a couple of lads jumping over the wall onto the station roof myself, but I think there'll be another safety issue if the sides do get raised.

"The bridge is L-shaped and a very high wall would make it easier to lurk in the corner, which would make the whole monstrosity even more intimidating."

Matlock Civic Association believes the raised wall plans add weight to their argument that the bridge should be replaced with access along Snitterton Road.

Secretary Ken Parker said: "These proposals would make the ugly footbridge even uglier, and even more of a potential crime scene."

And Matlock mayor David Barker also said he would like to see the footbridge removed but doubted that would happen due to a lack of acceptable alternatives.

Derbyshire Dales District Council said it was still waiting to hear about Network Rail's proposals.

The Matlock Footbridge Campaign has collected over 850 signatures from people opposed to what it describes as the hideous structure which has ruined the surrounding area.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: "There have been concerns that people can jump over onto the roof so the sides will be raised."

He added that the bridge was owned by the council so although Network Rail was advising them, the final decision would be authorities.