Council to find bridge repair solution

Perth and Kinross Council has been told to find a“viable”solution to keep the A827 open when repairs are made to the Cultullich bridge.

Plans to close the road for seven weeks later this summer were met with outrage from businesses in Aberfeldy.

But the council backtracked and put the repairs back until 2019.

A motion, put forward by councillors Mike Williamson and Xander McDade regarding the situation was discussed at a full council meeting on Wednesday.

Councillor McDade told the meeting:“It’s difficult to state the level of concern felt in Aberfeldy the closure plan for August to October provoked.

“A number of businesses have recently failed in the area, and firms confided they believed many more would go if the A287 was out of use. So it is very welcome that it has been postponed until next year.

“I urge the council to resolve to use all measures to endeavour to find viable technical solutions to keep it open.”

Councillor McDade had previously called for a metal Bailey bridge over the burn where land slippage has prompted the stabilising roadworks.

Seconding him, Councillor Williamson pointed the finger at the council:“We have been dogged by a lack of political leadership and mixed messages [about the urgency of the work].

“There is no better example of when reserves can be used.”

The third Highland Ward councillor to speak was newly elected Conservative, John Duff.

He said:“The slippage was recognised in 2014. Alternatives have been considered, council officers have worked tirelessly to identify the best solution.”

Councillor Grant Laing was next up to comment:“I applaud the actions of councillors Williamson and McDade in forcing PKC to think again. Aberfeldy now has a stay of execution.

“By saying as late as June 11 there was a risk of‘catastrophic failure’of the existing bridge, (a day before the crossing was deemed to be‘of no immediate concern’), the officer has shown he has no grip of the infrastructure brief.”

The discussion ended with Councillor Alexander Forbes pointing out that concerns work was needed to shore up the A827 bridge were raised in 2014, when the administration was in the hands of the SNP.