FEARS have been voiced that a historic suspension bridge in the Borders could be washed away.

Melrose and District Community Council heard the banking next to the chain bridge, which links the abbey town with neighbouring Gattonside, is eroding.

It is believed a pipe belonging to Scottish Water, which juts out into the River Tweed, may be to blame.

Community councillor Dorothy Cameron said: “The pipe is unsightly and the banking is a worry because it is eroding to fast.” The Community Council heard Scottish Borders Council was monitoring the situation but the local authority insisted there was no need for any bridge stabilisation works.

Melrose Provost William Windram said: “It looks like no-one is going to build the bank out to cover the pipe. There’s lots of things that could be done but they are not seen as essential.” The bridge was opened formally on October 26, 1826 when it was a statutory offence to make the bridge swing. Notices are still displayed at either end notifying those crossing of the various restrictions.

The bridge underwent major repairs in 1991 when the chains and footway were removed and repaired and the 'swing’ was cancelled out.