DESIGNS are finally being drawn up for work to an unsafe bridge near Lockerbie, which has been closed for nearly three years.
Danger signs were first put up on Gallaberry Bridge, over Dryfe Water, in July 2002 after the structure was deemed weak and unsafe.
But its closure to cyclists and pedestrians has been controversial as it also means access is restricted to a popular walk.
Resident George Trudt and Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell have repeatedly asked Crown Estate Scotland for updates on the situation.
They, and many others locally, were left disappointed when expected work failed to happen this time last year.
However, they have once again got their hopes up after Mr Mundell received a reply this week from The Crown Estate.
It said: “Our managing agent, Strutt and Parker, has confirmed that the consultant engineer, who is producing the detailed design for the replacement bridge deck, has received the topographical survey and is now able to progress with the design of the replacement abutments and specification of the bridge deck.
“Once this has been prepared, we can determine what consent/notification procedure to Dumfries & Galloway Council and SEPA will be required. Once any necessary consents are obtained, we will progress to the procurement stage.
“The engineer may advise that upstream bank reinforcement works are required, and these may be more challenging to agree with SEPA. However, we are hopeful that we will have determined the design and consent requirements within the next three months.”
Mr Trudt hopes the council will get involved and ensure repairs do finally happen.
He said: “They have a duty under the Land Reform (Scotland)Act 2003 to ensure the public rights of access are maintained.
“They by order have to establish a DG access forum or group.
This forum did exist in Dumfries and Galloway but hasn’t met for about two years or perhaps even longer, which means in my opinion that they don’t take it seriously enough.
“It is a core path and part of the Annandale Way. However, that said, many of the powers-that-be are content that the Annandale Way has been given an alternative route to avoid the obstruction, but it’s local people who are unable to walk, cycle, horse ride centuries old routes around our locality that are being inconvenienced not the long distance walker.”
