Rossie Island path repair works to begin soon, promises council

A Montrose councillor has welcomed an assurance that the start of work aimed at reopening a local path is just around the corner.

The Rossie Island path was closed off last year amid safety fears after erosion led to some of the dune edge disappearing.

But the creation of barriers closing off a section near to the Montrose rail bridge led to complaints from locals, and town councillor Tommy Stewart backed a campaign to have it repaired and reopened.

A plan to widen the walkway by three or four metres and cut back bushes on common ground was widely welcomed.

Montrose councillors also agreed almost £3,000 of support from Montrose common good fund to carry out the works, with a further contribution from Ferryden Community Council.

However, Independent councillor Mr Stewart said he had been frustrated by the delay in the project going ahead.

“We agreed back in October that we would give the money from the common good, and the community council also agreed to put money in,” he said.

“Everything was in place and we were led to believe the work would start on December 11.

“I thought the delay may have been due to works on the railway viaduct, which is currently undergoing a major revamp, but it doesn’t seem that is the case.

“It’s not a huge job and I really hoped this would have been done before the end of last year.”

A spokesman for Angus Council said: “There has been a delay, but we are pleased to report that costs for the work have now been confirmed and works are scheduled to start shortly.”