'Miracle' paint gets brush off

PAINT being applied to the Forth Rail Bridge that is supposed to last 25 years is reportedly peeling off - before the first coat has even been applied.

The bridge, which has famously needed constantly repainting since it opened in 1890, is undergoing a 74 million makeover to cut down on maintenance costs.

A new long-lasting "miracle" paint containing glass flakes was supposed to last at least until 2032, but workers have told how large patches are already flaking, it was said today.

One source reportedly said: "It's supposed to last 25 years, but the job isn't done and there's problems already."

A spokeswoman for Balfour Beatty said an area covering 10 square metres had been identified during an inspection and that would need repainting.