Campaign to have popular Lockerbie footbridge reopened

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A campaign is being launched to bring a popular footbridge back into use.The Dryfe Water crossing in Lockerbie has been shut since the summer with a fence preventing access.Now residents want to know if the bridge at Maxwell’s Thorn on Gallaberry Road will be reopened.Lockerbie man George Trudt said: “I’ve asked the council for an update on this because it’s a core path.“There’s a rumour going about that it won’t be repaired or replaced.“I am intending to start a campaign to get something done about it so that we can all once again use this core path whether it be for walking, cycling or even horse riding.“It’s registered as a core path and everybody likes this path for a walk.

A stink was kicked up when it was first closed but there’s been no update since.“What I’ve heard from people that stay nearby is that a lorry tried to get over it one day and since then it’s been closed.“I don’t see why it can’t be used for just pedestrians or cyclists and folk on horse back and just make it a no go for vehicles.”According to old Ordnance Survey maps a bridging point has been over Dryfe Water for centuries and remains a well used route today.Mr Trudt added: “It’s a popular route because it gives you ways to get in and out of Lockerbie and links it to other walks.“It’s a concern because other paths are getting into a state now and it doesn’t seem they’re maintained properly.

We want people getting out to maintain their health.“I intend writing to a few organisations for an update and others for support to get a crossing reinstated whatever it takes.“Over the years there has been disregard for this core path anyway.”The local authority was approached for comment.