We can’t afford it

Community councillors opposed to Kerse proposals

A Stirling community council is to oppose Network Rail’s controversial Kerse Bridge proposals.

Mercat Cross and City Centre Community Council believe the planned 12-month closure of the Kerse Road – to allow the bridge to be replaced – could cripple small businesses. And there are also fears the traffic chaos caused by the closure could add to the traffic congestion in the Top of the Town and drive away visitors to Stirling Castle.

Community councillor Andrew Szwebs said he had attended a meeting last month of Braehead Community Council at which Network Rail representatives gave a presentation on the bridge replacement, which is planned as part of rail electrification work.

Mr Szwebs said a representative of Riverside Community Council was also at the meeting, and he added: “The consensus was that a 12-month closure was far too long and other options – such as the erection of a Bailey (temporary) bridge, traffic management or splitting the work into three or four chunks – had not been looked at.

“The bottom line was that Stirling and its businesses cannot afford a 12-month closure. It would have a devastating effect on small businesses.”

Stirling Ghostwalk proprietor David Kinnaird said: “Once we get into the summer season and every parking space is taken up by people visiting Stirling Castle, the tailbacks from the castle road will take hours to clear. It is worth asking the council whether they have any spectacular strategy to alleviate this.”

He added that coach parties visiting Stirling were on a tight schedule and would “go to Perth” if they faced regular traffic delays on their way to the castle and other city attractions.

Mr Szwebs said an indication of the traffic misery facing residents came earlier this month when the road was closed for Network Rail to carry out tests in preparation for May when the 12-month closure is expected to begin.

“Traffic was backed up from Linden Avenue back through Goosecroft Road and along to Union Street, and that was a quiet weekend in February,” he added.

“There must be a way they can do this in a shorter time. At the moment we are getting a one size fits all solution but Stirling should be asking for something that is customised for the city.”

Community councillors agreed to lodge an objection to the plan.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: “We understand the disruption our works can cause and we do try to minimise our impact on local businesses and communities as much as possible.

“However, we do also have to balance that with the needs of the railway through Stirling, which plays an important role in transporting thousands of passengers each day for work, study and leisure. The project we are undertaking at Kerse Road is vital to the long-term future of both the rail and road networks.”