Teenagers plead for rethink on relief road
Two teenagers living near the proposed route of the £21million Cathkin Relief Road have called on South Lanarkshire Council not to destroy a part of their childhood.
Julie Garroway and Ross Gowran ( both 13), are among the youngest objectors to the project.
Both have submitted letters of objection to the planning application, which is currently lodged with South Lanarkshire Council.
The plans are for a 1.6kilometre road between Cathkin bypass and Fernhill Road near the junction with Croftfoot Road.
Julie, who stays on Beech Avenue, said she was concerned about noise, pollution and the loss of wildlife.
She also said: “The area is the only green area close by to me that allows my friends and I to go out on our bikes, or take a walk together and appreciate nature.
“We have spent lots of time there, and we love to go sledging there in the winter.
“We also like to go there on November 5, and look out onto the city and watch the spectacular firework displays.
“I would hate to see a place which holds so many memories disappear.”
She also said the money could be better spent alleviating poverty in the area.
Her dad, John Garroway, said he was proud of his daughter for taking a stand, adding: “It (the road) seems like a complete waste of money.
“We would lose a valuable amenity in the area. There is no other place for the children.
“When Julie was wee, she learned to ride her bike there, it’s a terrific facility for the people to walk their dogs and we’ve done the sledging there.
“I personally cannot see the point in it.”
Ross’s mum, Gill, has been a vocal opponent of the project and her son, also a pupil at Stonelaw, has also outlined his concerns to the council.
In his submission he wrote: “I have grown up enjoying playing in this park.
“I’ve learned to ride my bike here. I learned to go my scooter one day falling off, breaking my front tooth and hurting my face!
“I go for walks with my family here. When we look after my cousin’s dog, I take it for walks here. When I am upset, I climb my ‘thinking tree’ across from my house and stand on a branch till I feel ready to go back to my house. If you build a road, I won’t be able to do any of these things.”
Ross also details concerns about his friends crossing the road to get to school as well as wildlife in the park and noise pollution keeping people awake at night.
The controversial road has been mooted for over 50 years and formed part of the council’s transport plan.
It is understood no decision on the road will be taken until after the council’s summer recess.
He a d o f R o a d s and Transportation, Gordon Mackay, said: “Any written communication the council receive with regards the proposed Cathkin Relief Road will be considered as part of the planning application process.”
Mr Mackay also confirmed this week the council would be responsible for 14 per cent of the cost: “The City Deal project estimate is £21.628m, with a City Deal grant rate of 86 per cent.
“The council would be left to fund 14 per cent which amounts to just over £3m.
“The exact level of council contribution will only be known when the project is complete and final costs are known.”