ARMY engineers could throw a temporary bridge over the Dee while repairs are carried out on Kirkcudbright Bridge, the region’s MP has suggested.
MP John Cooper has suggested military help after the town was effectively cut in two by the closure, on safety grounds, of the road bridge.
The Conservative MP for Dumfries and Galloway said: “It’s an awful inconvenience for so many, with people facing a 14-mile round trip from the Merse to the town centre on back roads while the bridge is shut.
“The tourist season is underway and we’re going to see more caravans and motor homes on our roads.
“Dumfries and Galloway Council is hard-pressed financially and while they’re doing all they can, the bridge will be shut for some time.
“The First Minister is said to ‘be aware’ of the issue – he’s also aware of the dreadful state of the A75 and has done nothing there either.”
MP Cooper has written to Ian Murray, Secretary of State, asking if the Royal Engineers could put up a temporary bridge.
Mr Cooper said: “I am very clear that the UK’s military should not be used to cover for the many failings of the Scottish Government. Soldiers were used to provide cover for ambulance drivers under Humza Yousaf when he was Health Secretary and Ben Wallace – then Defence Minister – said it was not a long-term solution.
“Requests for what’s called military assistance to civilian authorities go through the Secretary of State for Scotland, and so I have suggested to Ian Murray that the Royal Engineers – specialists in things such as bridge building – might be deployed to Kirkcudbright.”
