June 25 2008

The firm awarded the contract to fabricate and erect the proposed £33m publicly funded Tradeston Bridge in Glasgow has rebutted claims that the design is not fit for purpose.

The long delayed project has been beset by criticism since contractors Edmund Nuttall built a full-size mock-up of the central section of the bridge, with apparent slopes of up to 15cm in some sections.

It is claimed these would inhibit wheelchair use and prevent safe use in winter conditions.

John Mason of the SNP has called for a cross-party committee of elected members to summon council officers, lead contractor Edmund Nuttall, which was also behind the Clyde Arc –presently closed after the collapse of a support cable- and subcontractor Steel Engineering to discuss the issues.

An Edmund Nuttall spokesman said: "We have spoken with our design consultants and we are confident the design will work and there is no question of it not being fit for purpose."

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