A SALTCOATS councillor is concerned about the safety of a railway bridge after receiving several complaints from residents.

Jim Montgomerie, Councillor for Saltcoats, says that he has received “numerous calls” from constituents over the state of the footbridge across from Saltcoats Library.

Councillor Montgomerie described the well-used walkway as “the Bridge of Sighs” because “you give a sigh of relief once you get to the other end”.

He told the Herald: “Basically, it’s in a bad state. “When I had a look at it I noticed the wood was rotten in lots of places and there was a major trip hazard right in the middle of it.

“I contacted the council and asked them to find out for me who owned it. Was it the council or Network Rail who had responsibility?

“In the meantime, I asked for a report on the safety of the bridge.

“The council have made the necessary repairs to the bridge so that it is safe for the public to cross. They have made repairs to the timber decking and put down anti-slip mats in the appropriate places.”

A Network Rail spokesperson told the Herald: “We are aware of the councillor’s concerns and our structural engineers are examining the issue.”