Boom plan for bridges over troubled water

NEW measures are to be introduced to tackle the problem of floating debris on the Water of Leith.

The Bernard Bridge and Sandport Bridge are both to be fitted with "floating booms" made of linked railway sleepers or timbers.

They will act as a barrier to floating debris in the Water of Leith and instead deflect debris towards an area downstream where it can be collected more easily. However, the proposals for the historic stone-built Sandport Bridge have been criticised by heritage groups.

Marion Williams, director of the Cockburn Association, said: "We are not convinced that the introduction of a boom to redirect floating debris is an improvement, or that it is worthwhile.

"Floating debris may still collect within the area of water enclosed by the boom and may never be cleared.

"The association would prefer to see an ongoing maintenance arrangement."

Councillors on the city council's planning committee were set to make a decision yesterday.