Europe's oldest iron-chain suspension bridge could close
There are doubts over the future of Europe's oldest surviving iron-chain suspension bridge, the Union Chain Bridge.
The bridge, which spans almost 130 metres over the River Tweed is in need of repair, and both the Scottish Borders and Northumberland Councils are considering shutting the bridge for good, if funding cannot be found.
An estimated £4.7million is needed to repair the damage to the bridge, which was built in 1820, with the intention of strengthening ties between Scotland and England.
"Northumberland County Council is the lead authority for the Union Chain Bridge. However we have a joint responsibility, and are working together to develop options to allow the refurbishment of the bridge to take place.
"The bridge will require a new chain suspension hanger system to be developed and fitted; substantial deck replacement; upgrading of the existing parapets; and totally repainted. The estimated cost of the repairs is £4.7million.
"If the councils were unable to raise the required funding it is likely that a phased closure would be implemented."
A fresh crackdown on salmon poaching is being launched in the Scottish Borders.
Lothian and Borders Police, the Scottish Borders Council, Crimestoppers and the River Tweed Commission have joined forces to reduce poaching in the River Tweed.
Salmon fishing is a major attraction for tourists visiting the Scottish Borders and brings in a wealth of visitors to the region.
There is concern that criminal gangs who are often responsible for salmon poaching are damaging the local economy.
"The Commission's Water Bailiff team look forward to working closely with the police in this initiative. Salmon poaching is a criminal act, which seriously damages breeding stocks of fish.
"River netsmen and anglers all agree not to kill early running stocks of Salmon in accordance with the Tweed Spring Salmon Conservation rules.
"The reason for the rules is that there are only just enough fish returning from the sea to sustain the breeding population.
"Killing any Spring Salmon reduces that breeding stock and will not be tolerated."
Two Borders men are attempting to swim 35 miles from Kelso to Berwick to raise funds for Help for Heroes and the Lifeboat service.
John Edey and Alistair Smee set off at 10am on Saturday the 16th June and aim to arrive at Berwick Lifeboat station around tea time on Sunday.
They are braving strong tides, hypothermia and dreadful weather to raise hundreds for their chosen charities. Alistair said:
*John I are undertaking this adventure for ourselves but we are also hoping to raise a small amount of money for Help the Heroes. John served for 7 years with Territorial Army the Kings Own Scottish Borderers. We have both been involved with taking injured soldiers fishing on the Tweed, in particular John, who was so impressed by their wonderful spirit and lack of complaint despite injury. We felt that raising money for Help for Heroes not only would help them *
Police are investigating after a body was found in the River Tweed.
A man's body was seen floating in the River Tweed near St Boswell's at 11.30am on Thursday. Firefighters managed to retrieve the body from Mertoun Bridge at 2.30pm.
The man is understood to live locally and was in his 40s.
