Results from a poll calling into question the level of public support behind the new Forth Road Bridge has been described as “blinkered mumbo jumbo” by West Fife MP Willie Rennie. Local MSP Jim Tolson also described the poll as the “last desperate attempt” of a small minority.

The poll, commissioned jointly by the Scottish Green Party, the ForthRight Alliance and Friends of the Earth Scotland, revealed that 34% support plans for a second bridge over the Forth with 57% believing the existing bridge should be repaired.

Both Mr Rennie and Mr Tolson have called into question the validity of the poll, which failed to inform participants that the bridge could not be repaired whilst remaining open and that any delay over a decision would decimate the Fife economy.

Commenting Mr Rennie said:

“Unfortunately, the protest groups who commissioned this poll are blind to the facts, meaning its’ results are little more than blinkered mumbo jumbo.

“This poll made no mention of the fact that it would be impossible to keep the bridge open whilst it was being repaired. Without a crossing, the Fife economy would be decimated- that should matter to Glasgow and Edinburgh politicians as much as those in Fife.

“The longer the uncertainty over the funding continues the greater the concern will be in Fife - especially in the business community who need a guarantee that Fife will not be cut off.”

MSP Jim Tolson added:

“This is the last desperate attempt by a small minority to devastate the economy of east central Scotland.

“The new bridge is the least costly, most reliable and least damaging impact on the environment.

“Any other option, including trying to use only the current bridge, would 'fly in the face' of the aims of the Green party and other environmentalists. They need to understand the new bridge IS happening, whether they want it to or not!”