Probe into impact of bridge closure

The impact closing Kirkcudbright bridge had on the town’s businesses is to be the subject of an investigation.

- 

The crossing was closed in March due to safety fears, with restrictions introduced so it could be reopened at the start of July.

Now, councillors have agreed that “a comprehensive review is carried out to assess the level of economic impact the closure and subsequent partial reopening of the bridge has had on businesses based in Kirkcudbright’

Local Councillor Dougie Campbell proposed the idea and told the economy and infrastructure committee on Tuesday: “Ward members were contacted by numerous businesses during the closure of the bridge, perhaps less so during the new restrictions that are in place.

“it’s going to be a significant number of years before we have a new bridge. I’ve been asked questions around what happens if the bridge closes again.

“I’m very much aware that Business Gateway have been supporting local business but at this point in time we don’t know what the economic impact has been in Kirkcudbright”