Pranksters protesting the sudden closure of a Perthshire footbridge have lampooned council bosses with a hoax signpost.
The authentic-looking notice warns walkers at a popular riverside trail that a landmark crossing has been shut because “some numpty at the council found a screw loose and panicked”.
The so-called Shaky Bridge, part of the Glen Lednock trail near Comrie, is temporarily closed after concerns were raised about the state of a large sycamore tree which supports it.
Perth and Kinross Council said there were also worries about the 38-year-old bridge’s timber components.
But the move has proved controversial, with many in the area arguing the council has over-reacted.
Now campaigners have shown their anger with a fake sign, which replaces a real one put in place by the local authority last month.
Purporting to be an official council public notice, but actually featuring a logo for “Perth and Chaos Council”, it states: “The Shaky Bridge is closed because some numpty at the council found a screw loose and panicked (ie insurance risk and nae money).
“The engineer who built the bridge says it’s fine.”
Walkers are told to use another crossing at Funtulich “miles away and you might get washed away” or sit in the “lovely refurbished car park that we did find the money for”.
The bridge is the subject of further analysis by engineers.
A council spokeswoman said: “Following a routine inspection, the Shaky Bridge in Comrie has had to be temporarily closed due to the condition of the tree it crosses through and some of the timber components.
“The decision to temporarily shut it wasn’t taken lightly.”
She added: “We are well aware of the importance of the bridge to the very popular walks network in the area and will be looking at all possible alternatives and solutions to try and ensure the route can be reopened as soon as it can be.
“Our priority is, however, public safety, particularly as the bridge crosses a river.”
The council said if a new bridge is needed, it is likely to be very expensive.