A FOOTBRIDGE which was closed due to safety fears is being dismantled next week.

Work to remove the deck of Polmadie Footbridge starts on Monday.

As previously reported by the Evening Times, the bridge was closed to pedestrians and cyclists in May after it was deemed structurally unsafe.

Rowers and boat owners were later advised not to travel underneath the deck after the concrete beams in the middle were found to be in poor condition.

Glasgow City Council has appointed demolition contractors, JCJ Group, to carry out the works which will see the removal of the five span bridge deck.

The footbridge connects Glasgow Green with Oatlands and Richmond Park and it was built between 1954 and 1955.

In order to restore amenity to the area as quickly as possible, the council appointed the contractors to carry out the works and remove the bridge deck, leaving the concrete piers in place.

This will allow restrictions on river users to be lifted and restore access to the footways along the riverbanks.

Councillor Alistair Watson, Glasgow City Council's Executive Member for Sustainability and Transport, said: "This is good news.

"It's a popular and busy bridge, used by the local community and residents from both sides and I know its closure is having quite an impact on the area.

"Obviously there is a lot of preparation work required before the main removal work can begin however I'm sure the local residents, cyclists and river users appreciate the work is required to ensure public safety.

"The bridge deck is in such a poor condition that repairing or strengthening it is not an options. By removing the deck we can lift the restrictions on river users and the walkway below."

Funding options to replace the bridge deck are being investigated. The programme of work is expected to take five months.