Roundabout saga is about to end
Plan to remove shurbs at dangerous blind spots
Residents in Drumsagard are hopeful they will finally get rid of the dangerous shrubbery on roundabouts along Hallside Boulevard after a 13- year battle.
The residents association looks to have reached a deal with South Lanarkshire Council that will see the association pay for the removal, and the council carry out the work.
It is felt by residents the high shrubbery makes it difficult for pedestrians to see cars going along the road.
Jim Walker, secretary of the residents association, revealed he first raised the issue in 2004 when his wife was nearly struck by a vehicle.
However, there was no agreement on who was responsible for the green spaces.
Part of the roundabouts fell under the jurisdiction of the council while some belonged to Greenbelt.
Residents have now raised the cash themselves with the council also agreeing to take on the maintenance.
Jim said: “I’m sure these are the only roundabouts in Scotland that has shrubbery like this on them. There is no view for pedestrians.
“I’ve been to MPs, MSPs and local councillors about this to try and get something done.
“Luckily enough there has not been any accidents but there has been a lot of near misses. My wife was one of the first to nearly be hit in 2004.
“The one at Elder Crescent is really bad as there is a camber on the road. We’ve got the Hallside pupils being decanted to Cairns as well and many of the kids have got to cross this road.”
The council have confirmed they are in discussions with the group.
Alistair McKinnon, South Lanarkshire Council’s head of facilities, waste and grounds services, said: “We can confirm that we have had discussions with local residents regarding the appearance of these roundabouts.
“A proposal has been put forward to cutback and remove vegetation and replace it with a more easily maintained surface.”