A crumbling B-listed bridge in Lochwinnoch with missing parts should be surveyed urgently to ensure its safety, a worried councillor has insisted.
Tape and cones have been temporarily placed around a missing balustrade on Bridgend Bridge over the River Calder by Renfrewshire Council, which was believed to have been knocked out of place in a crash.
But Councillor Andy Doig has called for a permanent repair to be carried out immediately.
And the Independent elected member has insisted a more thorough survey should be arranged, as the 18th-century bridge is showing several signs of erosion.
Councillor Doig said: "This bridge has seen better days and I'm concerned about the condition it's in with the amount of traffic going over it every day.
"I was only there for 10 minutes this week and I was surprised over the number of cars that used it.
"One of the balustrades has gone completely. There must've been a vehicle that hit it at some point.
"There's also other parts of the bridge which have clearly eroded, so I'd not only call for urgent, permanent repairs to be made but also a more comprehensive survey to be carried out to ensure its safety.
"The bridge is hundreds of years old and I think some upgrades may be in order."
The bridge was listed by Historic Environment Scotland in 1971 and records state it was widened in 1814.
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Councillor Doig said the structure needs bringing up to modern standards so it can continue to support larger vehicles.
"Cars are just getting wider and wider these days and there are a lot of tractors which use this bridge," he added.
"I think some upgrades may be in order and that's why I feel as if a survey should be done."
Buildings are B-listed if they are considered to have regional or "more than local" importance or are a major example of a particular period or style.
Council bosses have said a permanent repair process is underway and insisted the bridge has been made safe until that is completed.
A council spokesman said: “A replacement balustrade is currently being fabricated by our contractor and the bridge has been made safe until the full permanent repair can be carried out.
“We regularly survey all council assets, including bridges, and any necessary repairs will be made should they be identified.”
