An infuriated Keith resident says that months on from highlighting concerns over a waterlogged bridge in his hometown, nothing has been done to solve the problem.
Alexander Morrison claims the drains on the Union Bridge have been “choked up” since heavy rain blasted the north-east over the New Year.
He said that when it rains, the town’s main thoroughfare over the River Isla becomes “sodden”, and causes a danger for both drivers and pedestrians.
The 64-year-old semi-retired digger operator originally brought the issue to the attention of transport chiefs in January.
He outlined his safety fears in the Press and Journal last month, but has been left dismayed that nothing appears to have been done to rectify the situation.
And a bout of heavy rainfall across Moray last week, which once again left sections of the bridge submerged beneath deep puddles, only served to exacerbate his concerns.
Mr Morrison said: “There has been nothing done about this since the first time I raised concerns about it, and honestly it’s getting beyond a joke.
“If these people who should be fixing it had to walk across the bridge and risk being splashed, it would be done in no time.
“It’s not a big job and it would stop the risk of older folk or kids getting soaked walking across.
“How they think they can leave the main road like this is beyond me.”
Roads authority Bear Scotland has moved to reassure Keith residents that it is investigating the cause of the blocked drains.
The organisation expects to have identified the “underlying issues” behind the problem by the end of the month, and will then work to clear the obstruction.
A Bear Scotland spokesman said: “We are aware of some recent concerns with excess water at this location and have regularly attended the site.
“As there appear to be underlying issues, a drainage investigation is programmed to be completed during April to determine the cause.
“In the interim, we will continue to monitor the location and attend to any issues.”
The group has encouraged motorists who encounter any issues to report their concerns on 0800 028 1414.
