Iconic Musselburgh bridges could be taken down as part of flood defence plans

Experts looking into ways to protect the town are considering the removal of the Store Bridge and Electric Bridge (points A and B respectively on the below map) if it is found they cannot cope with a major flood.

The Electric Bridge was built in the 1960s to carry huge turbines needed at the former Cockenzie Power Station.

It is currently owned by ScottishPower and is used occasionally for traffic, usually on busy race days at Musselburgh Racecourse.

The Store Bridge is a walkway which connects Shorthope Street to North High Street where, at one time, the Co-operative buildings stood.

It is a popular spot for watching the swans and other birdlife which gather at that point of the river.

Presenting the East Lothian part of the Local Flood Risk Management Plan, which covers the Forth Estuary and is due to be published next month, David Northcott, East Lothian Council’s team manager for structure, flooding and street lighting, said public consultations would be carried out before any work was undertaken.

Initial plans involve creating flood defences of walls and earth embankments; however, he said the bridges would be looked at to see if they could withstand a once-in-200-year flood.

It is understood experts have said the Store and Electric bridges would cause a restriction to the flow of the river in such an event, causing water to back up and the river to burst its banks.

They are understood to be looking into replacing them with different bridges which will allow more water to flow under them.

Councillor Stuart Currie, ward member for Musselburgh East, said the risk of flooding was a concern to residents living near the river banks, as well as a problem for future development.

He said: “In terms of the bridges, I hope if they need to come down they will be replaced.”

The flood prevention plan identifies a number of sites in East Lothian and beyond where action is needed to protect it from future flooding.

Musselburgh is listed as a local priority, with two significant floods in recent times, including on March 30, 2010, when a tidal surge caused extensive flooding across the east coast, damaging properties, harbours, seawalls and roads.

The other in 1948 saw people evacuated after the Esk flooded into Eskside West, Eskside East, Shorthope Street, Millhill and part of High Street.

The report is to go before Cosla at the end of this month, when priority decisions will be made.

The council has set aside 20 per cent of the funds for the Musselburgh scheme, with the other 80 per cent due to come from the Scottish Government.