The wait goes on for the return of a footbridge used by parents to get their children safely to school.

Families whose children attend Carlibar Primary, in Barrhead, had long used the footbridge over the Levern, which had been in place for decades.

However, East Renfrewshire Council removed the bridge last March after deeming it to be “no longer safe”.

Barrhead councillors have now hit out at the year-long wait for a replacement and have been shocked to hear that parents will not be able to use the new bridge until the next school year.

Independent councillor Paul Aitken said: “The pedestrian bridge has been out of action for more than a year.

“During this time, Carlibar Primary pupils have been exposed to unnecessary danger having to cross additional roads.

“I have made my concerns clear to the roads manager. This state of affairs is unacceptable and cannot continue.”

After contacting East Renfrewshire Council, Councillor Aitken was advised that the bridge would be delivered at the end of May, after an eight-week manufacturing process, meaning that work on the bridge is yet to begin.

Councillor Angela Convery has added her voice to calls for action but has also acknowledged that there have been a “number of technical hitches” throughout the process.

She added: “I fully understand people’s frustration, as this bridge has been closed for too long.

“Safety is the main focus and also to make sure that this bridge will be there for decades to come.”

As well as the wait until May, a four-week ‘setting in’ period is required for the bridge before further work can begin.

As a result, parents will not be able to use the bridge on the school run this year.

Parents have taken to social media to express their frustration at the slow progress, with one saying that the council should “get their fingers out” and sort the “ridiculous” situation.

An East Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “We have been progressing with plans to install a replacement. However, a number of assessments have had to be carried out, including site investigations.

“Following this extensive research, public consultation – including involving children from Carlibar Primary School, who have picked its colour, gold – and appointing a suitable contractor, it is hoped that the new bridge will be installed by the end of the summer.”