A bridge too far for Saddell residents

Elsewhere, following an assessment of Torrisdale Bridge, a temporary three-tonne weight restriction has been implemented as a safety measure until repairs can be completed.

"We hope that these works will commence following the completion of Saddell Mill bridge, however, at present we do not have confirmation of a start date," stated a correspondence from the council’s roads and infrastructure department.

Local farmer Andrew Gemmell and his family are one of several affected by the closure with their land at Ifferdale Farm split by the bridge.

Andrew’s wife Monica and son both work in Campbeltown while his business is also being hampered by lack of access for feed and straw deliveries.

"It’s chaos," he told the Courier. "My farm is split at the moment and I also have an issue with the weight restriction at Torrisdale as I farm out there too.

"There are all kinds of issues for us depending on how long it is going to last. Getting deliveries at the moment is a serious one. We will need fuel before Christmas so at the moment I am a bit anxious about the bridge being up and running again.

"I feel the current repair is only going to serve as a sticking plaster to get us out of this mess and we really need a replacement."

Councillor Tommy MacPherson, also a resident in the area, had already shared his concerns about the state of the bridges with the council in April - asking officers to consider a mid-Kintyre expressway, making a strategic and economic case for connectivity between east and west Kintyre at the mid-peninsula point between Carradale/Brackley B842 and Killean/Tayinloan A83.

"This has been so frustrating," he said.

"This situation has been so much anticipated. That is why I said that we need an alternative to connect east to west and they just kiboshed it.

"They weren’t prepared to take it to the Scottish Government and ask for an adoption. It may be time to revisit and review my proposition."

School transport has also been affected by the Saddell Mill Bridge closure with the majority of primary school children in the area (around 25) attending either Dalintober or Castlehill in Campbeltown and high school pupils going to Campbeltown Grammar - a journey that would normally take 40 minutes now takes 1hr 40mins, an estimated round trip of more than three hours’ travel.

Speaking to the Courier on Wednesday an Argyll and Bute spokesperson said: "Our contractor began an initial concrete pour yesterday morning aimed at stabilising the undermined abutment.

"The contractor can provide access across the bridge for pedestrians.

“We are working with West Coast Motors and Campbeltown Grammar School to arrange transport, until the bridge reopens, for pupils living North of Saddell and Carradale.”

Further updates will be made on the council website: www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/roads-and-travel.