Leader seals vote on new bridge funds

Councillors have voted to commit £2.74 million towards replacing Cloddach bridge. Leader of the local authority, Kathleen Robertson, had the casting vote to agree the spend.

While there is a positive socio-economic case for replacing the crossing, the funding comes as Moray Council looks to make £13 million in savings over the next two years.

Conservative member for Heldon and Laich, Bridget

Mustard, put forward the move to part fund the bridge.

The business case will now go to the UK Government for approval before £1.5m pledged for the span announced in last year’s budget is released.

SNP councillor for Elgin South Graham Leadbitter tabled an amendment calling on Westminster to fund the entire £4.24m cost of replacing the crossing.

With 12 votes each, and one abstention, chairwoman Ms Robertson used her casting vote to approve the £2.74 million spend. She said: “I’m sure if the boot was on the other foot... the SNP would take the same decision.”

Mr Leadbitter highlighted that the council’s bridge maintenance priority policy was unanimously agreed after the chancellor’s financial pledge for the bridge.

In that document Cloddach is seen as low priority for repair.

He asked what the Tory administration would cut so the crossing work can go ahead, saying: “Is it other bridges, a swimming pool or a primary school extension?”

Repairs to Bishopmill bridge in Elgin on the main road to Lossiemouth will now be delayed because of the Cloddach decision.

Labour councillor for

Elgin North Sandy Keith questioned whether the spend was “financially prudent”.

And he highlighted the impact the decision would have on high priority bridge work.

Green councillor for Forres Draeyk Van Der Horn called the move “financially illiterate”.

But Mrs Mustard said

she felt the case represented an investment in the local community and Moray.

The span on the Elgin to Birnie road was closed to vehicles two years ago.

It is low priority for repair because there are fewer than 7,000 vehicle movements a day, and the road is not designated as a critical route.

CROSSING: Funds have been approved for Cloddach bridge. Picture by Jason Hedges.