RESIDENTS are demanding the replacement of a “valuable” footbridge in Johnstone.

People living in the Cartside area of town have been left fuming after the crossing, which goes over the main Glasgow to Ayr railway line, was removed earlier this month.

The bridge had been closed for safety reasons but was previously used to allow pedestrians to gain access to the Howwood Road scheme from McLaurin Crescent.

Protestors say its removal means that children and families have to walk considerably further to attend the Johnstone Sports Hub and the joint campus at Cochrane Castle and St David’s Primary schools.

Labour councillors Derek Bibby and Chris Gilmour, who both represent Johnstone North, Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch, had previously sought to have the bridge repaired.

Now they are calling on Renfrewshire Council and Network Rail to replace the crossing.

Councillor Bibby told The Gazette: “A number of residents have raised issues about the bridge.

“Over the years, it has proved a valuable route from Cartside to those going to Beith Road and Howwood Road and I support local folk in their calls to have a new bridge in place.”

Although Network Rail took part in the removal of the bridge, it has confirmed that the structure is owned by Renfrewshire Council.

A spokesman said: “Network Rail only helped to take the bridge down as there were safety issues, such as above wiring and railway lines, to consider when doing so.”

Network Rail added that it was Renfrewshire Council’s responsibility to address any requests for a replacement bridge.

A council spokesman said: “The McLaurin Crescent footbridge has been closed for a number of years. Key elements of the structure had become corroded.

“The council, in partnership with Network Rail, recently arranged for the removal of the structure.

“There are other crossing points in the vicinity – West Cartside footbridge, which is 350 metres from the McLaurin Crescent footbridge, and East Quarrelton Road, which is 400 metres from the McLaurin Crescent footbridge.”