Renfrew North & Braehead Councillors John Shaw and Lisa-Marie Hughes have written to the Chief Executive of Renfrewshire Council to express their concern over the absence of a public event to mark the completion of the new Renfrew Bridge.
Representing the community that endured years of disruption during the bridge’s construction, both councillors have called it “baffling” that only a private event has been planned.
Instead, a private, closed event for representatives of the UK and Scottish Governments, who part-funded the City Deal investment in the bridge, and other stakeholders, is the only official commemoration scheduled to mark the opening of the landmark infrastructure project.
The project, connecting Renfrew with Yoker, has cost £117 million.
Cllr John Shaw told Renfrewshire News: “Given the scale of disruption Renfrew has experienced throughout the construction period, it’s baffling that there’s no plan to mark the bridge’s completion with a public celebration.
“This is a major new piece of infrastructure for our town and everyone deserves the chance to be part of its opening if they wish, not just those invited to a closed event.
“After all the disruption, delays and inconvenience residents have put up with, the community deserve a chance to mark this historic occasion together.”
Cllr Lisa-Marie Hughes added: “This bridge is a huge deal for Renfrew, it’s the biggest infrastructure investment in our town in decades. It will change how people travel, connect communities, and create new opportunities.
“The people of Renfrew have lived with the impacts of this construction for a long time, and it’s only right that they’re front and centre when we celebrate its completion. A public event would be a fitting way to thank the community for their patience and to mark a new chapter for the town.”
The councillors are urging the Council to reconsider its plans and ensure that local residents have the opportunity to be part of the official opening and celebration of the bridge.
In response, a Renfrewshire Council spokesperson, said: “The opening date has been set for the new Renfrew Bridge as we complete what will be a transformational project for Renfrewshire and the wider Glasgow City Region and is another example of the council’s ability to deliver nationally significant infrastructure projects successfully.
“An event will be held the day before the bridge opens to traffic to mark the project completion and local community representatives, local businesses, local schools, college and university, as well as key partners, funders and stakeholders involved in the project will be invited to be part of the celebration – recognising the importance of this project to the local area.
“The bridge will then open to road traffic and active travel on 9th May with residents able to walk, run, cycle or drive across the bridge as we open up access to work, health, job and leisure opportunities on both sides of the river.”
Headline image: Renfrew Bridge testing
Photo Credit: GRAHAM