Plans to rebuild a rural bridge in Aberdeenshire, after it fell victim to the floods of Storm Frank, will go before north-east councillors today.
However, locals have raised concerns over the necessity of the repairs, with the replacement bridge expected to cost in the region of £85,000.
Some residents recognise that a replacement for Belnakettle Bridge, to the north of Fettercairn, would represent a positive step for the community; but others have questioned whether the money couldn’t be better spent elsewhere.
Mearns community council member for Fettercairn, Alan Mowat, said: “The replacement of the bridge would certainly help the community, because there has been a detour which is a few fair miles.
“But it seems an excessive amount to spend on such a minor road. I would think that the council would be far better investing such a large amount of money in flood prevention.”
The works will be carried out in-house by the council’s construction section.
Money for the replacement bridge will come out of the £2,616,000 budget allocated to the work required to renew, strengthen, enhance and protect bridges in line with strategic asset management.
Within the annual programme for the Kincardine and Mearns area, a sum of £75,000 was included for a temporary bridge at Balmakelly.
However, the bridge was not required as a full road closure was implemented, allowing the funds to be passed onto the Belnakettle project.
The remaining £10,000 will be sourced from the current capital funding allocation.
Mr Mowat added: “I know the flooding last year was a bit of a freak event, but I think we need to invest further in how we can protect ourselves from flooding.
“It seems to be something that is constantly under review, but never actually solved.
“I would be concerned over this amount of money being spent for the bridge to be then damaged by flooding once again this winter. The flood is extremely rare, statistically, but we never know when floods might hit again.”
A decision will be made today at the Kincardineshire and Mearns area committee.
