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Birnie bridge to be repaired this year


By Alistair Whitfield

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A Moray bridge due to be out of action until 2025 will now be repaired during this coming financial year.

The council decided in today's budget work to bring forward work on Foths Bridge which links Thomshill to Birnie.

The bridge has been sealed off to traffic since November 2019, after being hit by a vehicle.

The closure, coupled with flooding on the only other double-track road in the area, has led to ongoing problems for local residents.

Today's decision was greeted warmly by all three ward councillors,

Cllr Shona Morrison (SNP) said: "Any road closure that disrupts access for local residents is clearly frustrating.

"It is especially frustrating when the reason for that closure is due to someone failing to report that they have hit the bridge and caused significant damage.

"Residents will be very relieved to hear that work will now be planned for the coming year, which will also minimise disruption to our school transport arrangements in the area."

Cllr Dave Bremner (SNP) said: "I’m aware of the difficulties residents around Birnie have found with the closure of the Foths Bridge, along with the concern over the timescale for its replacement.

"Therefore, I’m delighted that in this budget we are in a position to bring forward work to get a replacement under way this year."

Cllr Marc Macrae (Conservative) said: "Foths Bridge was sealed off in November of 2019 amid safety concerns.

"At the time it was thought in the community that it would be for only a few months pending repair.

"Along with Douglas Ross, Moray's MP, I visited the site in January where we met with over 40 locals who had turned out to make their voices heard.

"I hope that works can commence soon to see the bridge and route reopened to traffic."


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