Residents from a small north-east community have condemned Aberdeenshire Council’s decision to close a remote bridge indefinitely.
The Tifty Bridge near Fyvie was damaged by rainfall and flooding in January during the worst storms to hit the region for generations.
The bridge was initially expected to be closed for two weeks, but a further inspection of the span forced the local authority to announce it would remain shut until August.
But now it has been revealed that the bridge – which crosses the Ythan on an unclassified road west of the A947 at Fyvie – cannot be repaired and money must be found to pay for it to be rebuilt.
The revelation has sparked fury among local residents who must continue to make a five-mile detour through the countryside.
Graeme Simpson said: “I am angry that the bridge is still closed, initially the signs stated that the bridge would be out until August.
“After the initial flooding the bridge was inspected and found to be damaged and in need of repair, this would have been the first chance to tell if the bridge was beyond economic repair.
“I have parents and grandparents that live on the other side of the bridge and my wife used to cross the bridge to commute to her work but now a detour must be taken.”
Mr Simpson also questioned why the council cannot find money to pay for vital rebuilding works and yet invests in “non-essential items” including a new park and ride facility in nearby Fyvie.
Angela Lawson echoed Mr Simpson’s concerns. She said: “They kept changing the dates it was going to be fixed then suddenly they say they don’t have money to fix it. It’s an outrage.”
Ms Lawson said the 20-minute detour has made it difficult for her son to visit his friends and that the close is “costing a fortune in extra fuel for everyone in the area”.
Last night a spokeswoman for Aberdeenshire Council confirmed there will be no timetable for reopening the crossing.
She said: “It is closed due to damage and there is no foreseeable date for reopening due to a lack of funding really. We’re looking to outside sources for funding.”