Fresh call to show dual carriageway plans a red light
NICOLA FINDLAY
An Independent councillor is once again urging South Lanarkshire Council to rethink controversial plans to dual East Kilbride’s Stewartfield Way.
Campaigners against the £62milion City Deal project – including Councillor David Watson – have been calling for a u-turn and for South Lanarkshire Council to consider more sustainable options.
And Councillor Watson is now calling on the council to be clear with Stewartfield residents about the full impact of dualing after residents of nearby Fernhill, Cathkin and Burnside decided to take South Lanarkshire Council to court over the Cathkin Relief Road.
SLC could be landed with a bill running into hundreds of thousands as almost 100 householders who believe their homes have decreased in value because of the noise and pollution associated with the relief road have submitted a claim for compensation to the local authority.
And Cllr Watson said SLC are “continuing to ignore” Stewartfield residents.
“Any dualing of Stewartfield Way would have an impact of open green space, noise, pollution and the general ambience of the area,” he said.
“We need openness and transparency regarding what is happening with the residents of Fernhill, Cathkin and Burnside and question what the consequences are for residents of Stewartfield should South Lanarkshire Council push ahead with their plans to dual Stewartfield Way.”
He went on: “Local residents in Fernhill, Cathkin and Burnside have been advised by surveyors that they are entitled to financial compensation following South Lanarkshire Council constructing the new road.
“The surveyors have indicated that compensation under this act is paid to owners of properties who have suffered a reduction in the value of their property caused by an increase in noise, dirt, dust, fumes, lighting and vibrations from the use of the new road once it has been completed.
“They have also indicated that many properties are suffering the effects of excessive noise and pollution from traffic using the road in an area which was previously very tranquil as it was an area of green parkland.
“SLC needs to make these issues clear in any impact statement and advise local residents what the impact will be on their lives and property as well as the implications for them under the Land Compensation Act.
“They also have to make it clear if any compensation has been allowed for in the costings submitted to the Glasgow City Deal Cabinet.”
East Kilbride MSP Linda Fabiani has also hit out at the plans saying it “flies in the face” of the First Minister’s declaration of a “climate emergency” and Tory Graham Simpson started a petition to halt the plans saying they are totally against residents’ wishes.
South Lanarkshire Council have previously defended the project saying the proposals had been a “long-term priority” for the council which will boost economic growth and had been included in a succession of strategic plans publicly available for over 20 years.
Gordon MacKay, head of roads and transportation, said: “The council is committed to openness and transparency and, as we have said from the outset, the proposed upgrading of Stewartfield Way will be the subject of a comprehensive public consultation before any plans proceed.
“This will provide an opportunity for residents and others to explore the details of the proposals and see the potential advantages of the project for East Kilbride, including easing congestion and creating the right conditions for economic growth.
“The proposal to upgrade Stewartfield Way to a dual carriageway is a long-term priority for the council and has been included in a succession of strategic plans which have been public knowledge over more than 20 years.
“With City Deal funding now available and a Strategic Business Case approved, the proposal has been progressed through design work, discussion over potential land requirements and an extensive traffic modelling exercise.
“Further work continues on what is a complex project with several significant technical, legal and environmental elements to consider.
“Again, these details will be shared as part of a major public consultation as part of the next stage of the process.
“With regards to the Cathkin Relief Road, we cannot comment on ongoing legal proceedings, but, regardless of the outcome of those proceedings, there are not necessarily any parallels between that project and the proposals for Stewartfield Way.
“However, the council would of course honour any legal obligations to local residents adversely affected by the works should the project proceed.”