Ellon councillor "delighted" with footbridge installation
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
An Ellon councillor has joined residents in celebrating the replacement of a popular footbridge in the town.
The outline of a crane dominated the Ellon skyline as the Meiklemill bridge was replaced this week, with stormy weather causing only minor delays.
Councillor Gillian Owen said: “I am delighted to see that all sections of the new Meiklemill footbridge has now been installed.
"Work continues particularly at the access points and it is envisaged that it will be fully re-opened in time for the new school year.
"The installation on the new bridge has been a long process.
"Back in 2012 it was drawn to my attention that the floor panels were in need of attention and frankly the whole bridge was required some 'TLC'.
"In 2013 work was carried and it was agreed that it needed to be monitored.
"The storm of 2016 gave further cause for concern as the water levels were such that the bridge was closed for an inspection, the result showed that it was safe and sound but had come to the end of its natural life some 40 years after it had been installed.
"Careful monitoring continued.
“I have continued to press for a new bridge and the project appeared in the reserve list in 2017/18 of the Aberdeenshire Council Capital Plan and as everyone can now see our impressive new bridge.
"My sincere thanks to all the Officers who have facilitated this project and all those who have been working tirelessly to install it.
“It gives us all a tremendous sense of pride that this project is coming to the end and that we have a magnificent new investment in our Town.”
