MP asks for help to rebuild Annan bridges

A CALL has been made for any surplus funds from the Borderlands Growth Deal to be used to help replace two washed away River Annan bridges.

The potential financial lifeline was publicly floated during Scottish Questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday by Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell.

He has been researching behind the scenes for possible funding sources to support local efforts to have replacement structures built following the loss in October, 2021 of the much-loved Diamond Jubilee and Cuthbertson Memorial bridges.

The well-used crossing points to the west and north of Annan Royal Burgh, which also serve the Annandale Way walking route, were demolished by the ferocious currents and rising flood water during a lengthy storm.

At Westminster, Mr Mundell raised the issue with Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander MP and highlighted the Borderlands Growth Deal progress in stimulating the economy on both sides of the border.

In his question, he continued: “With such deals, the important thing is getting the money out the door. Over the years, a number of projects originally identified will not go ahead.

“Does the Secretary of State agree that new projects should be brought on board, including replacing the bridges at Annan?”

Mr Alexander responded: “I know from the Rt. Hon. Gentleman’s expertise and understanding of his constituency; the challenge in relation to Annan and the fact that the bridges were swept away in the floods.

“I can assure him that my officials are working closely with the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal partners to oversee our £65 million investment in projects in that area.

“We are endeavouring to strike a balance with ensuring that there is effective local leadership, but he makes a powerful case that in recent years we have not seen delivery at the pace that he and we would have wanted.”

Mr Alexander referred to a forthcoming meeting Mr Mundell will have with Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill MP, who oversees growth deals, adding: “I hope that next week’s meeting is a constructive and useful opportunity to discuss these matters.”

Later Mr Mundell praised the efforts of the ‘Annan – A Tale of Two Bridge’ working group, who, liaising with the local authority and other public bodies, had helped with local fundraising and keeping vital replacement preparatory work firmly on the agenda.

He added: “I look forward to my meeting with the Minister and will emphasise to her the importance of replacing these bridges, both for the community and the regular visitors to the area who all miss them so much. Whatever the outcome, raising awareness of the issue whenever possible remains important.”