Government chiefs have vowed to listen to the concerns of anglers left outraged after repair works to an Irvine Bridge blocked access for migrating fish.

The Irvine Herald reports that Marine Scotland approved vital repairs to the Queen’s Viaduct bridge after the foundations became eroded by water over time.

For the last three weeks contractors Amco have been working on behalf of Network Rail, in the tidal waters just upstream of the viaduct which carries the main Ayr to Glasgow Central rail line.

But the work caused anger among local angling clubs and bosses at Ayrshire Rivers Trust who claimed they were not adequately consulted over the work.

They say the repairs have resulted in disruption of the flow of salmon and trout into the river - at the height of migration season.

But Marine Scotland said they will take their concerns in to consideration.

A spokesman said: “While we are clear that due process has been followed, we are aware that local concerns have been raised in relation to this project and we are currently giving them careful consideration.”

Stuart Brabbs, from the Ayrshire Rivers Trust, said he had spoken with contractors at the site and they had also listened to his concerns.

He said: “This is the peak of salmon migration and we want to continue safe passage.

“The contractors have been very proactive so I went and spoke with them and suggested some modifications which may be beneficial and they have taken that on board which will help with salmon and trout migrating through the dam.”