A 19th century footbridge in Stonehaven that is being refurbished as part of £16 million flood defence work should be wheelchair and buggy accessible when it’s reinstated, a church has argued.
St James Episcopal Church on Arbuthnott Street has started a petition calling on Aberdeenshire Council to make sure the White Bridge has ramps on it when it’s put back in place across the River Carron, in the centre of the seaside town.
So far, the petition has attracted more than 140 signatures. It can be signed at the church.
The cast-iron bridge dates back to 1879 and before it was removed last year for flood protection work it had three steps leading up to it.
However, in order to future-proof the town against potential flooding disaster, the council is planning to increase its height by around three feet, with 11 steps on each side of the Carron to allow access.
David Fleming, buildings convener and vestry member at the church, said the petition was created due to concerns the new design could unfairly disadvantage people with mobility issues, such as wheelchair users, pensioners, and parents pushing babies in prams.
He said: “When it was three steps and you’re in a wheelchair or you’ve got a child in a buggy, it was at least kind of feasible to make your way up and over with a bit of luck.
“But with all these extra steps, it will really just become impossible.”
A spokesman for Aberdeenshire Council said: “The new White Bridge is approximately 1 metre (3.2ft) higher than the existing bridge, so there are now 11 steps, more than the existing three steps.
“The introduction of a ramp was carefully considered during both the feasibility and design stages, but it was accepted that it was not possible to incorporate a ramped structure.
“There are, however, alternative ramped river crossings at the existing road bridge some 180 metres (590ft) from the church and the new Green Bridge which lies around 285 metres (935ft) from the church.”
Meanwhile, Aberdeenshire Council has put out a contract to carry out a £200,000 renovation of Stonehaven’s boardwalk.
The project to refurbish the popular walk has been funded by the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Fund.
Once the works start, they are expected to take three months and will improve access from Stonehaven’s town centre to the beach front.
