According to the report, a request has been made for the crossing by the Arbroath Red Squirrel Group following the deaths of a number of squirrels run down by traffic in the vicinity of the Rosely Hotel on the outskirts of Arbroath.

The red squirrel is a “UK priority species” whose population is steadily declining.

“There are examples of rope bridges elsewhere in Scotland, on the A923 Coupar Angus road and Templeton roads in Dundee, each with spans of approximately 12 metres,” said infrastructure services director Eric Lowson.

“These were erected and are maintained by Dundee City Council, being part of Camperdown Country Park.”

The proposed rope crossing at Arbroath would span 16 metres and achieve a seven-metre minimum clearance above the road.

The landowners on each side of the road have given their permission to the erection of the rope.

The council have carried out a risk assessment of the proposal and cite a number of issues which give concern.

“The significant hazards have been identified as death or serious injury to the public from the rope swinging free and colliding with a pedestrian or causing a vehicle to swerve resulting in an accident,” continued Mr Lowson.

“Arguably, the sight of a squirrel crossing the road on such a rope could cause a distraction to a driver as well, but the erection of warning signs in advance of the area may serve to mitigate this.

“Examples of squirrel rope bridges exist elsewhere in Scotland and the provision of such might be considered to demonstrate the commitment of the council to the protection and enhancement of the species, although the size of the population at risk here is thought to be small,” added Mr Lowson.

“Balanced against this must be the safety aspect and maintenance needs of such a structure with public safety of paramount importance, together with the establishment of a precedent.”