Council move to allay safety fears at relief road site

South Lanarkshire Council have moved to assure residents living near the proposed route of the Cathkin Relief Road that any works will be carried out safely.

The council was responding to criticism after one local spotted workers carrying out digging work without signage.

It was also alleged they were not paying attention to pedestrians just yards away on a public path.

George Rae, a resident of Dalveen Way, reported the workers to the council and raised the issue with the Reformer.

He said: “If the digger had swung round it could have had serious implications for someone walking past.

“There was no signs up or anything, and when I challenged the guy he said they didn’t seem necessary, but it’s not up to him.

“It’s the law to protect the public, there should have been barriers up. They just don’t appear to be taking this seriously, they think they can do whatever they want.”

The £21million road has already caused controversy, with hundreds of locals signing a petition calling on the plan to be scrapped.

However, the route forms part of South Lanarkshire’s transport strategy and has actually been in the pipeline for over five decades.

Gordon Mackay, head of roads and transportation services, said: “We can confirm that we commissioned site investigation works which are associated with the proposed Cathkin Relief Road.

“Following the concerns raised, we contacted the contractor to make sure all appropriate safety precautions were being taken.

“Our staff also visited the site regularly and were satisfied with the safety arrangements in place.

“After discussions with Mr Rae and the contractor, additional fence supports and signage was installed to provide an added layer of safety.

“The works have now been substantially completed.”