Claims of U-turn on transport funding promise
Loss of access to local public transport for residents due to Aikenhead Road roadworks has prompted elected officials to ask if promises have been broken.
Now Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey and Rutherglen Central & North councillor Janine Calikes want Scottish Water to explain an alleged U-turn in funding bus services, a major disappointment for the SNP representatives.
The roadworks, which Scottish Water states are“essential”, have forced a number of routes to be altered and passengers cannot get a direct bus from Bankhead to Glasgow city centre, as previously reported in the Reformer.
Councillor Calikes said she was advised by SPT that it had been in discussions with Scottish Water and First Glasgow as far back as June 2016 to discuss the closure of the road, as well as to look at potential diversion routes.
She was advised that Scottish Water agreed in principle to provide £100,000 to support two new connecting services that SPT and First Glasgow were to introduce for the duration of the works.
However, she is now asking if Scottish Water has reneged on this promise.
The politicians have contacted the firm seeking clarification as to why it pulled out of providing this funding, and asked whether they will take any further steps to mitigate the disruption for those affected.
Councillor Calikes said:“Although these works are essential, they have caused substantial disruption. Removing the only direct bus to Glasgow city centre is very inconvenient, particularly for those who are elderly, disabled or requiring pushchair access.
“Myself and Clare Haughey have contacted Scottish Water looking for an explanation.”
A Scottish Water spokeswoman said: “We’re committed to doing all we can to help communities and customers by playing our part in tackling flooding and improving the environment.
“Our project in Aikenhead Road forms part of Scottish Water’s £250 million investment in the upgrade of parts of the waste water network across the Greater Glasgow area to help tackle flooding and improve river water quality in the River Clyde and its tributaries.
“We fully appreciate the inconvenience that commuters, local businesses and services have faced as a result of our work.
“Since discussions began in 2016, we’ve taken every opportunity to engage with anyone affected by the disruption and this has included engagement with SPT. All road traffic management was arranged in liaison with Glasgow City Council’s roads department.
“We‘re confident that those who have previously been affected by flooding will welcome our improvements and we’re pleased to say that we anticipate that this programme of work will be completed ahead of schedule.”
Ms Haughey responded:“I hope Scottish Water can revisit this issue and take further steps to mitigate the disruption caused to our public transport services.”