South Ayrshire Council has temporarily closed Turners Bridge in Ayr to the public while a £230,000 refurbishment programme is carried out.

Signs advising the public of the temporary closure have been erected at each end of the bridge and residents of the high flats have been advised by letter of the closure.

The bridge is undergoing a £230,000 refurbishment that will include repairing and repainting the steelwork of the bridge, partial replacement of the concrete deck slab, new parapet mesh panels, the installation of anti-slip surfacing, drainage improvements and new lighting units.

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Councillor Peter Convery, the Council's Sustainability and Environment Portfolio Holder went to Turners Bridge along with local Councillors to meet with Officers of the Council who explained exactly what work would be carried out.

Councillor Convery said: "Turners Bridge is a vital link to and from the town centre and is very well used by members of the public. The Council fully acknowledges that its temporary closure will in the short term cause significant inconvenience to certain members of the public, particularly those living in the vicinity of the bridge north of the river.

"It is however hoped that those affected will appreciate the essential nature of the refurbishment works, which in the long term will ensure that the bridge can be safely used by people for many years to come, and at the same time greatly enhance the appearance of this landmark structure in the centre of Ayr."

It is anticipated that the refurbishment work will be completed in October 2009 when the bridge will re-open for use.

(GK/JM)