Moray MP Douglas Ross has welcomed the news that the Foths Bridge near Elgin, which has been closed for almost two years after being damaged, has finally been reopened after essential repair work costing £100,000 was carried out by Moray Council.
Commenting Douglas said: “I’m pleased that Foths bridge has finally been reopened. This is great news for the local community who have long campaigned for essential repairs to be carried out.
“Local residents who used Foths Bridge on a daily basis faced a long and sometimes difficult diversion, particularly during rainy or icy weather, whilst the bridge was out of action.
“I met with local residents and the community council to try and accelerate the works after the bridge was closed in 2019 and have supported them in their campaign for the repairs to be carried out as a matter of urgency.
“The council had previously said repairs would have to wait for up to five years, so I’m glad they have finally restored this vital link for the local community but it still took far too long for this crucial local route to be reopened.”
Local councillor (Fochabers/Lhanbryde) Marc Macrae added: “I was pleased when councillors agreed the work would be undertaken as soon as possible because the community was facing several more years before works could be done.
“Getting the bridge open again will certainly be a great boost for the community, particularly as the diversion route is vulnerable to rainfall.
“It’s good to get these rural routes open as quickly as possible, it’s just a shame the community has had to wait too long for it.”
