North Ayrshire Council has secured funding to press ahead with demolishing the structurally unsafe Valefield pedestrian bridge in Kilbirnie.

A funding commitment from the Scottish Government, working in partnership with Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, will enable the bridge to be removed, with plans already progressing for a new crossing over the River Garnock.

The bridge remains closed to the public due to concerns about its structural integrity. While the deck surface appears to be in reasonable condition, the underlying structure is extensively corroded and continues to deteriorate.

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Extensive efforts to establish ownership — including enquiries with adjacent landowners Tata Steel and Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formerly Sustrans) — have not identified any party responsible for the structure.

Despite ongoing attempts by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust and Tata Steel to secure the site, barriers and warning signage have been repeatedly removed or displaced, resulting in unauthorised access.

In the interests of public safety, the Council has exercised its statutory powers and served a Dangerous Building Notice.

If no owner comes forward to undertake the necessary repairs, the Council will arrange for the bridge’s removal. Following the appointment of a contractor, demolition is expected to start on 26 October 2026 to remove the risk posed by the deteriorating bridge and prevent further unauthorised access.

Meanwhile, design work is under way on a nearby replacement bridge to restore connectivity for people walking, wheeling and cycling, and to meet modern design and safety standards. Initial feasibility work has been completed and designs are progressing, with construction targeted for 2027, subject to funding being secured.