Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Action call on walking route flooding
A Townhead resident is calling for improvements at Drumpellier Park after a recent flood left one of its access routes completely impassable.
Martin McWilliams says that poor drainage issues often cause problems at the park access from Muir Street, which is used by some of the pupils heading to the nearby St Ambrose and Buchanan High Schools campus.
The former independent councillor now wants to see action taken to make improvements in that area of the park, close to the Monkland Canal.
He told the Advertiser of last week’s flood: “It seemed the canal had burst its banks at a particular spot and the water was considerable; the drainage is very poor in that area and water tends to collect if there’s heavy rain.
“I use that route regularly and managed to negotiate a way round the water at first on my way out; but on the way back had to find an alternative, walking along Blair Road instead of using the park. There was no way I could have got through that.
“The amount of water was quite considerable and would have been treacherous. Something needs to be done as that area floods quite regularly, but it’s a route that’s particularly well used by schoolkids, parents, dog walkers, and which can also carry vehicle traffic.”
Mr McWilliams added: “The council needs to look at the park’s drainage; they need to take into consideration that the route is used by vehicles and pedestrians, especially kids going to St Ambrose and Buchanan.
“In addition to taking responsibility for the flooding, which is a serious issue, they need to take account of how well the park and that road are used, and look after safety issues like the fact there’s no lighting at night.”
A spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Council said: “Our land services team were aware of the flooding and have arranged for a gulley motor to clean out drains at Drumpellier Park.
“However, the drains at the location of the flooding drain into the canal. On the days when the flooding happened, the canal was almost overflowing so this was contributing to the situation.”