The army’s support in helping a Moray community rebuild a popular footbridge has been ruled out at a taskforce meeting.
Troops from Kinloss Barracks had offered their expertise to try and replace the crossing to Lossiemouth’s East Beach, which was sealed off last week amid concerns it was “hanging by a thread” while on the brink of collapse.
But yesterday, it was confirmed the Army, who are still offering backing where possible, did not have any structure suitable for the waterfront location.
Meanwhile, unaffordable quotes gained by a commercial company to provide a quick fix started at £30,000 to install a bridge plus a further £2,800 for every week it was there.
Last night, campaigners stressed the focus must now shift to securing cash to find a long-term solution for a new permanent crossing.
Lossiemouth community council’s Mike Mulholland, who chaired yesterday’s taskforce meeting, said: “This isn’t just a bridge that’s closed. This is akin to a disaster or a crisis for Lossiemouth with the impact on the community and businesses.
“It’s the equivalent of a landslip or a factory closure. We need to be taking it as seriously as that. The governments need to be stepping in, not leaving us to scramble about looking for funds.”
Representatives from Lossiemouth Community Development Trust (LCDT), the local business association, Moray Council, Moray MP Douglas Ross, emergency services and the RAF and Army also attended yesterday’s meeting.
Mr Ross said: “Despite wanting to help, it’s clear the Army cannot construct a temporary crossing as their current bridges are designed to transport tanks and could not be fitted at this location.
“While we have to continue to look at options to reopen the bridge as soon as possible, it’s clear the focus is shifting towards a long-term solution.”
Moray’s MSP Richard Lochhead has described the task of securing a temporary fix as a “huge challenge”.
However, the community did receive some positive news yesterday with confirmation that LCDT will receive £50,000 from SSE Renewables’ Beatrice fund to help cover the cost of a new bridge, which will cost at least £500,000.
A public meeting is due to take place in Lossiemouth Town Hall tonight at 7pm to keep the community updated on progress.
Heldon and Laich councillor John Cowe said: “We need to look forward now. The time for blaming people is past. We need to be focused on the future of Lossiemouth.”
