Work starts next week (8 February) on a replacement pedestrian bridge for the Union Canal linking Polmont and Brightons.

The work, expected to last around two weeks weather permitting, will see a new 22m steel structure weighing 20 tonnes installed at a cost of £133k.

The new bridge will have a new protective paint system to make it stand up better to the elements.

The structure replaces the existing bridge that has deteriorated after being in place for 50 years.

Traffic diversions will be in place.

Councillor Paul Garner, spokesperson for the Environment said: “The exiting bridge was beginning to show its age and in future, will require less maintenance reducing costs for us.

“It’s popular with local residents and we hope that the two-week closure while the work is carried out isn’t too disruptive.”