Letters to the editor

Lack of ambition has damaged Montrose

Sir, - Angus MP Mike Weir is behind the times in his assertion that the prospect of Montrose as a berth for cruise ships has just appeared on the horizon.

This was discussed when the need to replace the South Esk bridge was made necessary due to concrete cancer. The bridge had a projected lifespan of only 10 years and needed fairly urgent replacement.

The importance of opening the port up to cruise liners was discussed at the same time as replacing the bridge because the close position of Montrose to the Angus Glens proved attractive.

The biggest problem with the cruise ships and the use of the port by bigger ships was, and still is, that the access south belonged to the horse and cart era of 1830 when an earlier bridge was opened.

When the new bridge was reopened in 1930 it quickly became apparent that a serious error of judgment was made by Montrose council who to save costs used the same approaches and abutments as the bridge built in the 19th Century.

This lack of thought to the future caused serious problems in approaching from the harbour and was a choke point that seriously hampered development of trade in the docks area.

The decision by Angus Council to do exactly the same in 2004, making the same foolish decision to use the 1828 buttresses and approaches with the same result as in 1930, was to some folks on Montrose Community Council a disastrous decision that we would have to endure for a lifetime and more. Robert Alexander. 39 Barry Road, Carnoustie.

Picture: Dougie Nicolson. The new bridge over the South Esk at Montrose.