Further to previous correspondence regarding the various pros and cons of the new railway footbridge at Inverkip station, I would point out that we do have another very useful crossing, the Jacob's Ladder.

Whilst this bridge is perhaps not looking its best, after many years of faithful service, it remains, for most people, the most convenient route to/ from the Hill Farm estates. Many residents, who formerly drove their children down to the village school now just cross at the Jacob's Ladder, follow the existing direct path and they are there in just a few minutes. A healthy option - and a useful saving in fuel!

Clearly, Inverkip needs more than just one bridge linking Ardgowan View and Ardgowan Rise with the rest of the village and its transport links, shops and other amenities. Not everyone is happy or able to go everywhere by car and, with the on-going problems in and around Station Road, it is vitally important to retain the Jacob's Ladder, as this will also help take pressure off the area around the station.

Unfortunately, Network Rail has admitted that it is presently planning to remove this existing old bridge "to save on maintenance costs", once the new one is operational. Therefore, if you, or members of your family, are likely to be affected by the proposed closure, you should contact Inverkip and Wemyss Bay Community Council on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or your local councillor, without delay.

Michael Lynch. Posted at 10.50am, 22 July 2012

-- I have contacted the Community Council regarding this matter.The ladder joins two sections of a right of way and must be kept. If the railway  when it first came through Inverkip took the trouble to instal a bridge, it must have been a right of way then otherwise they would not have built it! This bridge will still be used by those who do not want to go through the station but enjoy a walk from the bottom of Finnockbog Road up to where the original path met the Farm Road. The developers had to install a path through the houses for this right of way.

Alison Masterson. Posted 4.25pm, 25 July 2012

-- A large proportion of villagers now lives on the south side of the railway, but pedestrian links across the railway to the centre of the village are woefully inadequate. Removing Jacob's Ladder will leave only one safe pedestrian route to the village (the new bridge at the station) and this will not be convenient for everyone. This means that children from the Hill Farm estates will walk to Inverkip Primary School via Finnockbog Road which is narrow and has no pavements for much of its length. Alternatively, they will be driven to the school which entails a five-mile round trip each time, against the walking distance of a quarter of a mile. This is contrary to the whole reasoning for the station footbridge being built in the first place (i.e. to encourage people out of their cars and onto the trains).

I agree with Alison Masterson; the footpath from the village to Hill Farm predates the railway and Network Rail should not be allowed to remove it to save a few pounds on an occasional coat of paint.

Anon. Posted at 1pm, 26 July 2012

-- I refer to the previous Talkback items on this subject and, as just one of many people who will be inconvenienced by Network Rail's proposed closure of this direct link to and from Inverkip village, if it goes ahead, I thought that I must also voice my displeasure. This convenient route is, after all, a recognised and long-standing right of way, having even been in use since long before the arrival of the railway, way back in the mid-1860s.

Incidentally, I've found out that the individual to complain to is the Network Rail Community Relations Manager -- a Ms Evelyn Brown. Her e-mail address is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Since moving to upper Inverkip three years or so ago, I've come to realise just how cut off we are -- with the railway dividing the village. There are no buses of course and because nearly everyone drives everywhere, there's but little social interaction and therefore, sadly, hardly any community spirit, at least on the face of things.

Therefore, it is important that we ensure the survival of the Jacob's Ladder, our most convenient route linking us with Inverkip -- and for that matter, the rest of the outside world!

Jay Abayon. Posted at 4.45pm, 27 July 2012

-- I suggest that anyone that has concerns about the old railway bridge being removed contact the Scottish Rights of Way & Access Society at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

TMck. Posted at 2.45pm, 7 August 2012

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