Business slams Main Street closure

A business owner on Cambuslang Main Street has criticised South Lanarkshire Council for not consulting them over a future closure of the street.

The road’s eastbound carriageway will be shut to traffic between Bridge Street and Greenlees Road from Friday, May 26, until Wednesday, May 31.

This is to allow a gas connection to be made to a business.

But Angeline Coyle, who owns the Tea Bay cafe, reckons it will have an affect on businesses even on the other side of the road. She said:“This will cause congestion and it will put people off driving through the Main Street.

“I really object to this and I’ve expressed my concerns.

“They had not told us about it. We had to read about it in the Reformer, there was no consultation.

“But it seems to be a done deal. It’s closing for five days and that’s that.

“The council seems to do what it wants, they don’t care about existing businesses.”

It is understood the gas main will serve a Dominos pizza shop that is opening on the Main Street.

Councils are required by law to allow road closures for utilities work.

Gordon Mackay, South Lanarkshire Council’s head of roads and transportation, said: “We understand this work is required in order to provide a mains gas connection to a new business and we are obliged by legislation to facilitate the road closure.

“It should be noted that only the eastbound carriageway will require to be closed and access to shops, properties, and parking on the west side of Cambuslang Main Street will be maintained throughout.

“Parking for properties fronting the eastbound carriageway is to the rear of the buildings with access from Allison Street and will not be affected.

“The planned closure is being advertised in local media and notification letters are due to be issued.”