Some thought it might be a bridge too far but a deal has finally been struck to see someone take responsibility for a key access route at a Fife transport hub.
But the lengthy saga surrounding maintenance of the footbridge over the track at Leuchars train station is far from at an end, The Courier has learned.
After five years of campaigning, an agreement has been reached between Fife Council and Network Rail whereby the Leuchars Station access bridge has became wholly the responsibility of the latter.
When the bridge was erected in 1995, no maintenance programme was put in place and while some, mainly cosmetic, paintwork was carried out prior to the 2010 and 2015 Open Championships at St Andrews, most of the structure still sports its original paint in the pre-privatisation colours.
This neglect has led to the structure suffering what even Network Rail has admitted is “medium corrosion”.
News that Network Rail will now be responsible for work on the structure has been warmly welcomed by North East Fife Liberal Democrats who have long campaigned on the issue.
However, the positive development has been somewhat tempered by the fact no date has been set for any of the long-overdue repairs required on the crossing.
Councillor Tim Brett said: “At long last Network Rail has agreed to take on responsibility for the bridge, the only access to the station, which is very good news.
“However, there is still some way to go, because Network Rail has intimated that they have no plans to carry out any repairs in the near future.”
His concerns were echoed by North East Fife MSP Willie Rennie, who promised: “We will keep up the pressure until they provide a date for tackling the rust, rather than simply painting over it.”
St Andrews Councillor and avid rail campaigner Jane Ann Liston added the lack of repairs threatened to have impacts further down the line.
“This is the fourth busiest station in Fife, being the nearest stop to St Andrews,” she noted.
“Station staff have estimated that at least 90% of the 557,000 passengers embarking and alighting at Leuchars are travelling to and from St Andrews, showing how important it is that access be maintained.
“Therefore the sooner that proper repairs are carried out, the better.”
Network Rail confirmed the transfer but also that no immediate works were scheduled.
