A CAMPAIGN to link Oatlands to Glasgow Green has paid off with a new £1.5 million bridge opening.

Residents and politicians gathered to officially launch Polmadie Footbridge, which has been reinstated after three years.

In May 2015 a routine inspection revealed continued use of the previous bridge could lead to its collapse.

The 60-year-old bridge was immediately closed and by June 2016 the bridge deck was demolished, with the supporting piers left in place.

Locals, led by resident Tony Lawson, set up a campaign to have the bridge reopened and repaired.

Cabinet Secretary Michael Matheson said: “The partnership approach between Glasgow City Council, Sustrans Scotland and the Scottish Government has resulted in the restoration of the Polmadie Footbridge, which has restored a vital active travel route in the heart of Glasgow Green."

Glasgow City Council provided funding for the restoration and Sustrans agreed to provide significant financial support.

The construction project began in January 2018 with George Leslie Limited the principle contractor for the works.

The 103metre long bridge has been built upon the original piers with the approach ramp designed and lit to ensure it is accessible for disabled people.

The bridge itself also has in-built lighting to illuminate the deck to create a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists.

Councillor Anna Richardson said: “There was a great deal of local feeling about the loss of the bridge and so I am delighted to see Oatlands reconnected with Glasgow Green.

"The council team leading the project deserves credit for having the foresight to save the supporting piers, which has been a huge help in making restoration of the bridge financially possible.

“But the design of the bridge is also very responsive to the needs of the community and will hopefully encourage as many people as possible to use the bridge on a regular basis.

"Glasgow Green is one of our most prestigious parks and making it as accessible as possible has a great value in itself.

“The Green is also a key part of the national cycle network and so the new bridge represents yet another boost to the city’s growing infrastructure for active travel.”

Polmadie Footbridge will act as a link to Route 75 of the National Cycle Network from south Glasgow and from NCN 756, which runs from East Kilbride and through Rutherglen.

Sustrans backed the project with £1m of funding with £500,000 contributed by Glasgow City Council.