‘ Deadly’ road fury
Steep plunge fears
A danger road is set to claim lives unless blundering officials take action, say residents.
The notorious stretch in Ayr’s forgotten industrial heartland has sparked fury among community leaders. They claim “only a miracle” has prevented a death, after a string of complaints fell on deaf ears.
Now demands are mounting for urgent safety measures at Newton’s Limekiln Road.
Tenants chief Andrew McKissock, 58, said: “It’s a serious accident waiting to happen.
“Trucks thunder along and there isn’t so much as a pavement for anyone on foot.
“It’s a scandal there’s no barrier covering the steep drop with the railway line nearby. If you have a pram or a wheelchair when those trucks come by, you’ve had it.”
Andrew added: “We’ve been told there’s no record of serious accidents at the site. Well that kind of attitude is a joke because it’s only a matter of time before one happens.”
The Post understands a wrangle over which firms own the land is holding up work. Both Network Rail and logistics firm DB Schenker are believed to be facing calls to act.
Ayr MSP John Scott has been drafted in to fight the case.
He said: “Having inspected this part of Limekiln Road myself, I too believe that a safety barrier should be installed on this tight corner, given the drop on the inside curve of the bend.
“The lack of a safety barrier on this bend is a real hazard to road users and one should be installed as a matter of urgency.”
Ayrshire Roads Alliance boss, Stewart Turner, said: “The safety of all road users is a primary concern for us, but the grassed area along this road is privately owned and falls outside our remit. While we have no locus to put up additional fencing, we have contacted landowners to see what can be done.
“In the meantime, we would ask all drivers and pedestrians to proceed with extra caution at this corner, especially with darker and colder nights approaching and we hope a suitable and practical solution will be found soon.”