Controversy atwhopays

Stirling residents shouldn’t foot the bill for traffic diversions if the Kerse Road bridge closes for 12 months.

Local councillor Gerry McLaughlan said this week he hoped the council and Network Rail take the chance to listen and act on people’s concerns, adding that locals shouldn’t have to foot the bill for diversion route work.

“Linden Avenue will take the brunt of drivers looking for an alternative route in to and out of Stirling,”he said. “It is a residential street and officials must ensure the safety of residents is paramount in any diversion work. Glasgow Road, which will be the main diversion route into the city, already requires extra crossing points and further safety measures have to be in place before any closure. The area approaching the Borestone roundabout needs to be completely reviewed with pedestrian safety paramount.

“In my opinion, all the extra costs for establishing a safe diversion route must be paid for, by Network Rail. No figures have been released but I would estimate that to establish the diversion route will be nearly £500,000. No way should the residents of Stirling have to pay for this work.”