Deer spotted on site of Cathkin Relief Road
A family of deer have been spotted on the proposed site of the Cathkin Relief Road.
Opponents to the road posted pictures of the creatures on Twitter on Monday, July 20.
Many residents are protesting against the road as they feel it would lead to the loss of their woodland park.
They say the park is a haven for wildlife.
This week, however, South Lanarkshire Council said they had no evidence of deer actually living in the park.
Head of Roads and Transportation Gordon Mackay said:“A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was prepared as part of the planning application submission for Cathkin Relief Road and, although the potential presence of deer was noted during the consultation exercise, this site was not considered big enough to support a deer population while a more favourable habitat was noted to be located to the south of the site, at Cathkin Braes.
“No sign of deer, or their droppings, tracks or couches, was recorded during the EIA survey.
“It is possible that deer may on occasion enter the site but it is considered that the impact and mitigation on any deer that do so would be similar to that on other wildlife.
“As part of the on-going design works, further investigations are being carried out to look at specific species, such as bats and badgers, with no issues being reported to date in this respect.
“Overall, we have also looked to minimise the footprint of the road through the area and have re-aligned the route to avoid the main area of vegetation and habitat as much as possible.”
The controversial £21million road will link the Cathkin bypass with Fernhill Road near the junction with Croftfoot Road.
It has been mooted for over 50 years, but has only become possible now thanks to funding from the City Deal between seven local authorities and the UK and Scottish Governments. However, campaigners say it is not needed and will actually put lives at risk.