CONTRACTORS are beginning to resume work at two city bridges after scaffolding was swept away in raging currents.

The pontoon surrounding Polmadie footbridge - which is currently being demolished - was washed away when wild weather hit the River Clyde - and Glasgow - last week.

The platform was being used by contractors dismantling the 'unsafe' footbridge when it broke free, sparking an evacuation of workmen at Albert Bridge as part of it headed towards the second bridge.

Most of the rest of the pontoon became lodged against King's Bridge, with a third section left at Polmadie.

A spokeswoman for the city council said the pontoon was being reinstated and work would begin shortly.

She said: "Obviously due to the weather and the river flows still being high, there has been some delay to the works but not to any great extent.

"The completion of the demolition of Polmadie is expected to take place by March next year."

Meanwhile, a £2.6m restoration project at Albert Bridge, which started a few weeks ago, continues without being affected by the weather.

The spokeswoman said the work was taking place above and below the bridge so had been consistent throughout.

Initially opened in 1871, the Gorbals bridge links the Saltmarket in the city centre with Crown Street on the south side and was named after Queen Victoria's consort, Prince Albert.

Councillor Alistair Watson has visited the site to see how the work is progressing.

He said: "I never fail to be impressed by the quality of civil engineering that the Victorians were masters at.

"I think what you can see is a first class example of a river crossing which I think is actually Glasgow's best crossing.

"It's a very challenging project and I have a great level of admiration for the engineering.

"Glasgow is a Victorian city built on engineering and we are determined to protect our heritage as much as we possibly can."

Work on the bridge is due to completed by March or April next year.