Moray Council to remove section of Lossiemouth's East Bridge Bridge amid safety concerns
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
MORAY Council is set to remove a section of the East Beach Bridge in Lossiemouth to prevent it being used.
The footbridge, which was closed after being declared dangerous and unsafe in July 2019, will be permanently shut-off with the removal of a section of the walkway.
The move comes as barriers preventing access to the bridge have been repeatedly vandalised, with people continuing to use the crossing.
There are fears the situation could get worse with the warmer weather attracting more people to the beach.
Moray Council Leader Graham Leadbitter (Elgin City South, SNP) said the council must act to protect the public.
He said: "There is great concern that further and rapid deterioration will occur, particularly the centre spans, with weather and pedestrian use. If these centre spans collapse into the river below we could be dealing with a tragedy, which can be avoided by taking this action.
"I am sure the people of Lossiemouth will agree with this action, taken as it is with the best interests of public safety at heart.
"The Scottish Government have pledged to fund a replacement, and we are well underway with the necessary steps to make that happen.
"In the meantime, our paramount duty here is one of public protection."
Moray Council has a duty imposed upon it under the Building (Scotland) Act 2003 to take any necessary action to make a structure safe when it has become dangerous.
Council staff will work to remove one of the centre spans over the next few weeks. Spans in the middle are the highest parts of the bridge and the weakest section of the structure.
The process to design and build a replacement bridge, funded by the Scottish Government, remains in the early stages with completion expected within 18 months.
