Dangerous Lossie bridge to be permanently closed

The footbridge to Lossiemouth’s East Beach is to be permanently closed with the removal of a walkway section.

The structure, which is due to be replaced over the next 18 months, was declared dangerously unsafe by bridge engineers in July 2019.

Barriers preventing public access to the bridge have been repeatedly vandalised, and with warmer weather attracting more to the beach there are fears that more pedestrians will attempt to use the crossing.

Moray Council, which has a duty of public safety and protection from infrastructure, will remove one of the centre spans to prevent any further use.

Spans in the centre over the River Lossie are the highest parts of the bridge and the weakest section of the structure.

The operation will be carried out by Moray Council staff over the next weeks.

 The process to design and build a replacement bridge, funded by the Scottish Government, has commenced but is at early stages.

The council has a duty imposed upon it under the Building (Scotland) Act 2003 to take any necessary action to make a structure safe when it has become dangerous.

Leader of Moray Council, Cllr Graham Leadbitter, said that the council must act to protect even those foolhardy enough to keep using the footbridge.

“There is great concern that further and rapid deterioration will occur, particularly the centre spans, with weather and pedestrian use,” he said.

“If these centre spans collapse into the river below we could be dealing with a tragedy, which can be avoided by taking this action.

“I’m sure the people of Lossiemouth will agree with this action, taken as it is with the best interests of public safety at heart.

“The Scottish Government have pledged to fund a replacement, and we are well underway with the necessary steps to make that happen.

“Meantime our paramount duty here is one of public protection.”