Cllr Tim Eagle - The Scottish Conservative candidate for the Holyrood elections in 2021 has raised concerns over the current condition of Cloddach Bridge following worries from local residents.
Residents raised concerns that a deep channel is being cut out which may effect the structure and safety of the bridge.
Cllr Tim Eagle followed up on these concerns by visiting the bridge and contacting Moray council staff to discuss the way forward.
Commenting Cllr Tim Eagle said;
“I was contacted by residents near Cloddach Bridge who were concerned that a vital linkway risked been closed if works were not carried out due to the volume of water passing through the central channel of the bridge undercutting the structure.”
“I took the opportunity to visit the bridge and was amazed at just how significant the channel been cut by the volume of water was. Whilst I am no expert on bridges it was hard not to notice a significant and deep trench eating into the surrounding concrete."
“I contacted the council to ask when the last inspection was done of the bridge and if they have any concerns.”
“The council have told me they are aware of the condition of the bridge and are in the process of beginning public consultation on reducing the weight limit on the bridge from 7.5tonnes to 3tonnes. This process should begin very soon.”
“I hope residents ensure they voice their concerns on if this reduction is likely to impact local people of businesses as I know this is a well used bridge."
“This is not the first time that I have been made aware of concerns over a bridge, my worry is if we are ensuring we put enough within our capital plan to ensure we are maintaining bridges.
“We have a very large road network in Moray which is vital to keep our strong rural economy going, it is very important that bridges are kept safe and operational. Just one bridge being closed can cause significant disruption to communities.
“I will continue to engage with Moray Council on our plans to not just limit the use of bridges but how we are going to ensure we protect them long into the future”
Commenting Cllr Marc Macrae (Fochabers/Llhanbryde ward) who’s ward contains the bridge;
“Rural Moray contains much of our road network away from the main trunk routes and many of them are lifeline routes with no other easy access in or out.
“It is essential that both residential and commercial traffic can flow as freely as possible making essential maintenance even more important to ensure our rural routes remain open.
“The SNP Scottish Government harp on about the importance of the transport infrastructure across Scotland, perhaps the time is now for them to support our vital rural links such as the bridge here at Cloddach and not just the bigger vanity projects that win them headlines.”
