A FOOTBRIDGE at an Old Kilpatrick nature reserve could become an “eyesore” and a target for vandals if closure plans go ahead, community councillors have warned.

The walkway over the area’s marshy farmland is to be shut once a path is built, which West Dunbartonshire Council says will be “more accessible” for those with mobility issues and will

follow the line of the existing bridge. Works begin on the path next week.

However, two local community councils have criticised the

decision to close the bridge, saying it will be left to rot.

Elaine McNally, of Old Kilpatrick Community Council, said: “We’d like to keep this open because it’s part of the Saltings.

“[If closed] it would attract vandals and become an eyesore. It would just be left to rot, they wouldn’t remove it or anything.

“What they’re planning on replacing it with doesn’t seem up to par. It’s going to cut off a lot of access for a lot of people who aren’t as mobile as others, myself included.

“The amount of water that runs through there, it’s not bad just now, but sometimes it’s a lot more. It doesn’t seem a very good solution.

“We’ve been told it’s not financially feasible to repair it and they are going to build a separate pathway.

“We’re not terribly happy but with the cuts, we thought ‘right fair enough’. As it turns out, it doesn’t seem like there’s been a proper inspection of it by an

engineer. It’s just been looked at and said ‘no’.”

Meanwhile, Drummond McNair, of Parkhall, North Kilbowie and Central Community Council, claimed officials have said the bridge is beyond repair without sharing an engineer’s report.

He said: “Our concern is the officials have said the bridge is beyond economic repair, but they haven’t been prepared to share the report they’ve allegedly received about the bridge.

“Without sight of that, how do we know the bridge is beyond economic repair? How do we know the path is a viable alternative?

“The other problem is that if the bridge is closed, it will be left to become an eyesore.

“It’s in the state it’s in because of the neglect of the council, as is the bridge further up. They shouldn’t be allowed to neglect these structures.”

However, a spokeswoman for the council said: “The boardwalk has been assessed by a structural engineer and on his recommendation is being replaced with a path.

“This will make the area more accessible for residents and visitors, including those with mobility issues.

“The council remains committed to preserving this local nature reserve, with a full-time volunteer on site, together with other volunteer groups and support from council staff as required.”