Talkson eyesore railway bridge

Dunblane councillors met Network Rail to discuss the new concrete parapets at the town’s railway bridge.

Terence O’Byrne of the local community council said he was “apoplectic” at the finish and design of the new structures on the Perth Road Bridge.

And Dunblane and Bridge of Allan councillor Graham Houston added that it “stuck out like a sore thumb” and resembled nothing more than a “blank white wall”.

The rail giant were called upon to make changes to the parapets to make them more attractive and in keeping with the surrounding landscape.

Officials agreed to meet members of Dunblane Community Council, including Mr O’Byrne, to discuss the issue last week.

And Mr O’Byrne told the Observer that the potential of a smooth, stone finish on the road-facing side was discussed.

Work has been ongoing to partially replace the road bridge as part of the project to electrify the railway line between Dunblane, Stirling and Alloa.

The north section of the bridge is too low for the overhead cables which will be introduced.

Network Rail say that the parapets on the new structure comply with modern safety standards, are designed to keep pedestrians safe from the overhead power lines and can withstand a vehicle striking the side of the bridge.