Flood scheme to close road Parents’concern at diversions lasting 18 weeks
Residents living in Almondbank and Lochty face major upheaval for the next 18 weeks as work on the near-£15m flood protection scheme steps up.
Parents are among those who have expressed concerns about the works because of a road closure which will extend their travel time to Pitcairn Primary School.
The main C407 road through Lochty is to be shut for the duration – starting on Thursday, March 30, – leaving people with a longer drive around the communities.
But, coupled with other work around Perth, some mums and dads say the delays could cause real problems, adding that attempts to resolve the issues have so far failed.
The PA understands that some motivated parents approached both Perth and Kinross Council and construction group Balfour Beatty - which is working on the flood scheme - about a temporary arrangement involving early dropoffs at school. Discussions among parents have involved a breakfast club-style arrangement at the
school. They told the Perthshire Advertiser that both PKC and Balfour Beatty had not agreed to any proposals at that point.
But after an approach to PKC by the PA, we’ve been told that options for the school are to be considered at a meeting tomorrow.
A mum who lives in the area but did not want to be identified said: “There are a few of us who felt something should be done to help us throughout the works period.
“We got letters two weeks ago when it was stated the road was to be closed, which was a bit of a surprise. We can understand why the road has to be closed but it affects working mums and dads who could arrive late at work and have to leave early just to get their children at the start and end of the school day.
“Some of the route options such as via Dalcrue add about 20 minutes to the journey, so it is a bit of a problem, and not just for parents.”
She added: “I was among those who were in contact with the council and contractors and we were told it wasn’t possible.”
A council spokesperson said the issue affecting parents had emerged after a consultation was held.
“Since the consultation process the council has been made aware of the concerns of parents over the disruption to school arrivals that will be caused by the roadwork diversions in the area of Pitcairn Primary School.
“At the parent council meeting this week, the contractors will join parents and council staff to discuss the matter further and work towards a satisfactory resolution to the issues raised for the duration of the works.”
Nearly £15 million is being spent on the Almondbank Flood Protection Scheme which includes raised roads and new bridges, wall defences alongside watercourses including the East Pow Burn and River Almond.