A PEEBLESSHIRE footbridge is to remain closed for as long as it is “dangerous”, a meeting has heard.

Haughhead bridge was shut by Scottish Borders Council after a horse rider narrowly escaped a serious accident at the end of August.

The hoof of Nicola Philip’s pony went straight through the rotten surface of the crossing, to the east of Innerleithen.

At Innerleithen and District Community Council’s (IDCC) meeting last month, Tweeddale East councillor Robin Tatler said that the bridge had still not been surveyed to establish exactly what needed to be done.

His colleague councillor Marshall Douglas said: “It is far more serious than remedial works and the bridge will stay closed as long as it is dangerous.”

IDCC chairman George Brown added: “It is a very important link to the town but it is at the end of its life.”

Since the bridge’s closure, riders from Haughhead Stables have had to use a single-track back road to the B709.

Concerns were raised at the meeting over the speed of vehicles along that stretch.

Mr Brown said: “The road is quite narrow and there is lots of tree debris at the sides which has not been cleared for a long time.”

Mr Tatler told the meeting that permanent 40mph signs are planned but have yet to be erected.

IDCC members queried if the signs could include warnings about horse riders and cyclists.