ALMOST three years after the footbridge was washed away by floods, a replacement should finally be in place in Aberdour by the end of July.

That's the latest update from Fife Council who have been heavily criticised for delays and rising costs which at one point looked set to top £500,000, prompting a roads chief to suggest that, in hindsight, they may have decided not to go ahead with the project.

Preparations are being made ahead of the gap being bridged at the harbour, with a new wooden structure to be installed.

A council spokesperson told the Press: "Construction works to the replacement Aberdour Harbour footbridge are on schedule with completion forecast for late July.

"The abutments are now complete and surrounding elements are being constructed over the next couple of weeks to allow for the installation of the bridge.

"We would really like to thank residents and users of the path for their continued patience and look forward to enjoying the replacement footbridge once again on the coastline of Aberdour."

Dunfermline Press: The footbridge in Aberdour was washed away during a storm in August 2020.The footbridge in Aberdour was washed away during a storm in August 2020. (Image: Newsquest)

Last week Councillor David Barratt said there was a "perception that works have slowed down following a flurry of activity when contractors first arrived onsite".

Having asked the council for an update, he was told the works remain on schedule and the bridge should be in place in time for the Aberdour Festival, which runs from July 28 to August 6.

Cllr Barratt added: "The contractors are still aiming to be complete for the Donkey Brae run (the footbridge was part of the route), but I’m sure people will appreciate nothing is certain in construction so it’s one we will be keeping an eye on."

It all began in August 2020 when storms and heavy rain led to the footbridge across the Dour Burn being damaged beyond repair.

A key link in the village and part of the Fife Coastal path, there was frustration and "colossal" criticism from local residents and businesses as years went by without a replacement.

From a cost of £500,000 in November, by March the council admitted there had been a "couple of errors" and that by switching from a fibre reinforced polymer bridge, they could instal a new wooden structure for £325,000 instead.

There was further good news for the public purse when Lochgelly firm, Realm Construction, submitted a successful bid that, while not disclosed, was said to be less than the revised budget.

The new footbridge will be more than seven metres long – the old crossing was around five metres – and will have a timber parapet, walkway and superstructure, pre-cast concrete abutments, reconstructed stone walls and rock armour protection.