Peebles pedestrians will face a quarter of a mile detour while a River Tweed bridge is closed.

Priorsford, a footbridge, which connects Tweed Green to Kingsmeadows Road and Victoria Park closes for two weeks from September 1.

The silver suspension bridge is the main crossing point for disabled people visiting the Victoria Park Day Centre in Kingsmeadows Road.

Pedestrians will be diverted to Tweed Bridge, the main road crossing over the river about quarter of a mile further west.

Priorsford Bridge, which was built in 1905 and is a wire rope suspension design, will be closed for essential maintenance work with Scottish Borders Council signs showing a diversion route.

A spokesperson for Scottish Borders Council said: “We’ll be replacing the anti-slip decking panels as well as carrying out other minor maintenance work.

“The Council would like to thank members of the public in advance for their patience as we carry out this important work, which will ensure the bridge can continue to be well used for years to come.” Community Council member Amanda Kubie said there will be signs warning car drivers on Caledonian Road and Kingsmeadows Road about the increase in pedestrians using pavements during the works period.

The bridge is also the main crossing point for Peebles High school children who flood into the town centre at lunchtime.

It provides the children with a safe, virtually car free, route into the town and the High School has been notified about the closure.