ABERDOUR residents want Network Rail to sort out the train station’s “appalling” footbridge – before it becomes “unrepairable”.

The community council is concerned that flakes of rust “as big as your hand” are falling off the bridge daily, and fear the structure could reach a state where it’s no longer safe to use.

The community council wrote to Network Rail three years ago about their concerns, but were told then that the bridge was not in a dangerous condition. However, with the steps, top and underside of the bridge badly rusted, the community council have again written to Network Rail asking for action.

Community council chair Arthur Lloyd told the Press, “The bridge has been deteriorating over a number of years. It was last refurbished about 20 years ago. We wrote to Network Rail in 2011 and they came back and said the bridge wasn’t in dangerous condition and that work would not be done until 2014.

“Their view is that it’s not dangerous. Our view is that the more it’s left, the more likely it’s going to be dangerous. The paint is chipping off. Bits of rust are not going to kill you, but bits of metal might. It’s rusting not only at the top but at the bottom as well. Rust can get through and the steps could be dangerous if work is not done this year. People have complained that it’s unsightly, particularly in an award-winning station and award-winning village.” A Network Rail spokesman confirmed a contract for the refurbishment of eight bridges in Central Scotland, including Aberdour, had been awarded to Derby-based Structural Fabrications Limited.

He added, “We do not have a start date for Aberdour but work will take place this financial year, before April 2015. The bridge is structurally sound and it’s more the look of it than anything else. It’s not pretty but it is safe.”