Campaign Seeks Council Commitment for Bridge Replacement
A group formed to rebuild two bridges in Annan, which were destroyed when river levels reached a 50-year high, has criticised the local council for not committing to take ownership of any replacement structures.
The campaigners, known as Annan - A Tale Of Two Bridges (ATOTB), have been actively identifying potential funding sources to replace the Cuthbertson Memorial Bridge and the Diamond Jubilee Bridge, both lost during severe flooding in 2021.
However, the group requires a formal commitment from the council to adopt and maintain any new bridges constructed.
The council previously part-funded a feasibility study exploring the creation of two new crossings but stated it was "not required to undertake maintenance or accept liability" for the new structures.
In response, the group submitted a petition to Annan Town Hall containing nearly 3,000 signatures, urging the council to reconsider its position on ownership and maintenance responsibilities.
Louisa Currie, a campaigner with ATOTB, expressed concern that the council's current stance is impeding progress to the next phase of the project.
"All we're asking from the council is for them to sit around the table with us and look at ways to move forward. We're planning on funding the bridges ourselves and having them built but we do need a commitment from the council that they will adopt them."
The original bridges collapsed in October 2021 after river levels reached their highest point in 50 years, prompting widespread dismay among Annan residents.
"I was absolutely devastated and the shock around the town was deeply felt by all of us,"Currie said.
"They are a huge miss to the town."
The group emphasises that during their exploration of funding options, a key requirement was to provide clear details regarding future ownership and maintenance plans for the replacement bridges.
They state that without a firm guarantee from the council to assume responsibility for the bridges, the plans cannot advance.
A spokesperson for Dumfries and Galloway Council commented:
"We recognise the aspirations of the Annan community to see any path over a replacement bridge forming part of the council's core paths plan. The council is committed to working with the ATOTB group and will be meeting with them soon to develop a letter of support to enable the group to continue with confidence."
