STABILISATION work has commenced on the six-figure project to repair Glen Bridge in Dunfermline.

As previously reported by the Press, the footway underneath has been "subsiding significantly" and becoming a hazard to the public.

Combined with continued vandalism and anti-social behaviour, major structural works – at a cost of £300,000, according to a Fife Council report in September – are now required to stabilise the embankment and reconstruct the footway.

Kleomenis Tsironis, engineer with Fife Council, provided an update to local councillors in the area ahead of stabilisation work beginning today (Monday), which is expected to be completed within five days.

Mr Tsironis said: "As you will be aware structural services are carrying out repair works at Glen Bridge, Dunfermline. As part of these works a full ground investigation is required to inform the final works.

"As you will already be aware the footpath at the east end of the main arch is subsiding due slope slippage. The embankment slippage appears to have been happening for some however there is no way of predicting when it may collapse into the valley below. Therefore embankment stabilisation works are required.

"As part of these works the slope will be regraded and seeded, with the vegetation enhancing the area's aesthetics.

"The defective timber guardrail will be replaced with a new black galvanised steel guardrail and the path underneath the bridge will be resurfaced. We are also planning to install palisade security fencing surrounding the abutments to help deter further future vandalism.

"This ground investigations works will confirm the ground properties which will inform the ultimate design of the embankment stabilisation and strengthening.

"These works are programmed to commence on Monday (May 10) and will take approximately five days to complete.

"On receipt of the GI report we will then progress the design and tendering exercise.

"It is currently programmed that the works will commence on site in November, once all design, procurement tendering and further consultation exercises with stakeholders are completed."

The Press previously reported that Fife Council had hoped the main works would start in August.

The scene under the Glen Bridge has been a problem for years with fires reported and scores of rubbish and waste discarded.

In March, a Dunfermline woman was left "disgusted" after counting 41 shopping trolleys abandoned.

Jacqueline Feeley said there was so much rubbish dumped on the route between St Margaret’s Cave and Buffies Brae that it “turned my stomach”.

She said: “I counted 41 trolleys in the space of a few hundred yards."

The area was also closed off last year after being blighted by vandalism, other cases of fly-tipping and safety issues.

READ MORE: Councillors agree to shut walking route.

A fire, reported by the Press in 2018, is one example of some of the anti-social behaviour the bridge has attracted in recent years.