A temporary footbridge, stretching 39.6m, has been craned into place across Kilmarnock Water, downstream from the Dean Ford.

Recently, preparations have been underway with foundation and ancillary works taking place on site, while the footbridge has been assembled on site using a small crane.

With the structure now in place, it needs to be fully installed and once this happens and is open to pedestrians, the adjacent Lauder Footbridge will be closed and demolished as part of the new road bridge project set to replace the Dean Ford.

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Plans are however in place to preserve parts of the old footbridge for future generations.

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council, said: "It was fantastic to see the temporary footbridge being installed today and to know that we are at a point to finally drive this very worthwhile project forward. The Roads and Transportation team have worked incredibly hard on this project and to see the bridge lowered into place was a moment of great pride for everyone involved."

Councillor Bobby McDill, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration added: "In terms of the larger project to replace the Dean Ford, the new road bridge design has been completed and the tender documentation is currently being finalised. It is anticipated that work will commence on the new road bridge later this year."

(JP/MH)