A FOOTBRIDGE damaged when it was struck by a vehicle will be replaced.

The new bridge, costing £900,000, will be built over the B7066 Hirst Road in Salsburgh, North Lanarkshire, after consultation with the community.

The existing bridge was damaged in 2009.

Councillor James Coyle, convener of the planning committee, said: "The decision to demolish and replace the footbridge followed many months of discussions with Salsburgh Community Council, local elected members and residents of the village.

"Along with other road improvements in Salsburgh, the new footbridge will help to improve road safety for residents and give convenient access to and from the village for wheelchair users."

Work is expected to start on site in the autumn.

The bridge itself will be fabricated and painted off site before being craned into place early in 2014.