Call for bosses to listen

A77 closure forum

A summit has been staged to try and alleviate the problems when roads are closed, creating massive detours.

MSP Jeane Freeman and MP Corri Wilson rallied community groups, councillors and government to find solutions to concerns residents have about the A77 and the rural diversion routes when it’s closed.

The roundtable discussion in Barrhill heard some frank discussions on the specific problems of A77 maintenance closures, speed levels through villages and the safety of rural routes used for diversions.

The summit was attended by Transport Scotland, Ayrshire Road Alliance, police, Transerve and was chaired by Jeane Freeman.

Jeane said: “These concerns are long- standing and the key to resolving them is for national and local roads agencies to hear what local people are saying and then act.

“We made sure that community representatives and local businesses were given the fullest opportunity to raise their concerns and put across their views at that meeting. As a result of that meeting Transport Scotland have agreed to look again at their consultation work.”

Corri Wilson added: “I regularly get complaints about Transport Scotland using weekend closures of the A77 for repairs between the port at Cairnryan and Ayr.

“These repairs are necessary and welcome, but the persistent closing of the road entirely, and the subsequent diverting of ferry traffic onto small rural roads around Carrick, is an accident waiting to happen. It is also having a significant impact on local businesses and communities.”