MSP calls for calm over the roadworks

The MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse has called for“patience” over the roadworks.

Christina Mckelvie (below) accepted delays were“irritating”for drivers but feels progress is being made.

Ms Mckelvie said:“south Lanarkshire Council has altered the way in which priority works are being carried out.

“That has meant that some of the roads are only now seeing roadworks that were expected to be completed sooner. I am urging the council to try to better plan ongoing essential roadworks in the future.

“I know this kind of work is irritating for drivers, especially in this lovely weather, but if we are to develop the kind of infrastructure we need for the long term, then we need to be patient.”

Meanwhile, a move to invest an extra £2.1 million fixing the area’s dodgy roads has hit the skids.

The council’s Conservative group called for the cash that had gone unspent to be ploughed into road repairs throughout the South Lanarkshire. This was backed by Labour councillors at a meeting of the council’s executive committee.

However, independent and Lib Dem councillors voted with the SNP administration to block the move. Instead, the money will be saved in the council’s reserves. Conservative group leader, Councillor Alex Allison, said:“it is incredibly disappointing that the SNP administration failed to accept that this extra £2 million could be put to good use improving our communities’roads. We need to be clear, this was unused money. That means it could have been invested on roads maintenance without taking a single penny away from other projects. “Everyone in South Lanarkshire is affected by the state of the roads. Uneven surfaces make it harder for vulnerable residents to get around, damage people’s cars, and deter businesses from creating jobs here.” Leader of South Lanarkshire Council, Hamilton councillor John Ross, said:“it’s irresponsible of the Conservative group to suggest that this money should have been put into the roads budget without careful, considered planning. The repair schedule for the year is already in place and has been impacted by the harsh winter weather which brought about a number of unforeseen problems. We are very well aware of the need to continue to improve and maintain roads across South Lanarkshire. “The Roads Investment Programme comes to an end this financial year and a new programme will need to be looked at moving forward. “We have to ensure we use our funding reserves in the best possible way. We did not rule out using this money on our roads as was explained at committee.”