The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
The police force not now arriving to look at bridge damage
THE CALEDONIAN Railway in Brechin has taken to a social networking site to vent its frustration at Tayside Police over an investigation into damage to a railway bridge.
The damage wa s reported to police on August 5 but no police officers have inspected Leuchland Bridge, a mile and a half along the track from Brechin to Bridge of Dun.
The voluntary group, known for running its Thomas The Tank Engine days, operates four miles of track from Brechin, running steam engines and diesel locomotives.
It is worried that, unless someone is apprehended for the damage, the cost of repairing the bridge could run into four figures.
A committee member posted on their group’s official Facebook account: “We’re waiting on Tayside Police to attend (or visit to investigate) an apparent incident of criminal damage to one of our bridges which was reported on August 5.
“We were called back on the same day to explain how seriously they were taking this and further we were told they would attend on to August 6 and after not doing so, at least another four occasions.
“Vital evidence and the chance to investigate when fresh has potentially been lost. It’s been three weeks and still no visit.
“This damage will likely leave a volunteer- run charity with a massive repair bill.
“How long is too long to wait for Tayside Police to attend?”
Through
Facebook, volunteer Blair Winton added: “There has been demolition of part of the wall at both ends and the original sandstone deck has been exposed.
“Also, a large amount of material was dumped down towards the track.
“It will cost thousands to repair if left to the railway.”
A spokesman for the group said about two to three tonnes of earth and gravel had been removed from the bridge on to the railway embankment and a wall that is part of the bridge had also been damaged.
He added: “Luckily this doesn’t impact on the running of the railway.”
A spokeswoman for Tayside Police said: “We are aware of the circumstances and have been liaising closely with members of Caledonian Railway.”