‘Dangerous’ river crossing closed

A FOOT BRIDGE across the River Annan near Hoddom Castle has been closed after being deemed unsafe.

Part of the Annandale Way walking route, Mainholm Bridge has was found to be in a dangerous condition following a recent structural assessment.

Dumfries and Galloway Council closed the section of the core path last Friday after discussions with bridge owners Hoddom and Kinmount Estate.

A council spokesman said: “Under section 15 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and following discussions with representatives from the Hoddom and Kinmount Estate, Dumfries and Galloway Council closed a section of core path 439 (the Annandale Way) on October 31. This closure will be in place until further notice in the interest of public safety.

“A structural assessment undertaken by the Hoddom and Kinmount Estate who own the private bridge (known as Mainholm Bridge) has found it to be in a dangerous condition.

“We continue to work with Hoddom and Kinmount Estate and are investigating alternative diversionary routes for this section of the Annandale Way. We will share details once a suitable route has been put in place.”