Belhaven Bridge improvements planned to allow better access

Thousands of locals and tourists use the Belhaven Bridge – also known as the Bridge to Nowhere – when crossing the Biel Water to access Belhaven Bay each year.

However, with the sea continually moving sand away from the bridge, large boulders are being exposed, leaving many people struggling to navigate a safe route.

Community Windpower, which owns and operates Aikengall Community Windfarms in the Lammermuir Hills, has stepped in to meet the cost of the work required on the bridge, with a grant of £8,738 from its community benefit funds.

Councillor Norman Hampshire, who represents the Dunbar and East Linton ward on East Lothian Council, was thrilled to secure the much-needed funding.

Councillor Norman Hampshire

He said: “We’re delighted and very grateful that Community Windpower is helping us to carry out the vital work to improve Belhaven Bridge, as we had no other source of financial support.

“Access to the beach side of the bridge is extremely poor and I watched many people last summer have to clamber on rocks and boulders to leave the beach at high tide.

“Both sides of the bridge will be improved and the renovated bridge will have a much safer and longer pathway either side for those using it, but it won’t stop the bridge being left ‘stranded’ at high tide.

“And, with an increasing number of people crossing Biel Water at low tide to access the beach, to surf, paddle board, swim or simply enjoy the sandy beach, the work is needed to avoid any potential future accidents.”

Work on the bridge and walkway will include increasing the height and length of the walkways and adding handrails.

It is hoped that work can start this month but it is subject to both the weather and Covid-19 restrictions.

Diane Wood, community benefits director at Community Windpower, said: “The Belhaven Bridge is an iconic sight in East Lothian and we’re really pleased that our community benefit fund can help ensure the crossing is safer for people to use.

“With Covid-19 meaning more people are enjoying Belhaven beach and the amazing activities available, as a local business we want to continue supporting the area as we have done since 2009.

“Indeed, Belhaven Surf Centre near the bridge, which is proving to be a catalyst for people coming to the beach, was built with the help of £10,000 of funding from Community Windpower and BeGreen in 2019.

“We look forward to seeing the upgraded bridge and trying it out, when conditions allow.”

Dunbar Community Council has also been involved in looking to see if access to the beach can be improved.

READ MORE: Attempts being made to improve access to popular beach

Pippa Swan, chairwoman of the group, has been working with the local authority to see if there is a solution which would enable people in wheelchairs, with mobility issues or with buggies or prams to cross the Biel Water safely.

Last year, trial holes were dug to determine the ground conditions to the west of the bridge.

However, it was found the bedrock was “quite a long way” below the surface, which meant any solution could prove expensive.

Further consideration is to be given to a location to the east of the bridge.