Safety push on underpasses
CCTV and mirrors are suggested
Police are recommending more than £50,000 worth of safety improvements be carried out on underpasses around Stirling - including possible CCTV for a troublesome city centre vennel.
Last August Stirling Council’s public safety committee asked officers to carry out an audit of the routes under local roundabouts to identify anything that may need addressed.
While in general police were positive of many aspects, including work carried out so far, a number of recommendations have been made.
Around £3,500 could be spent on CCTV for the Sma’ Vennel between Baker Street and Spittal Street, which has been a source of angst for locals in recent years.
Last October the Observer highlighted a shocking video showing three young men snorting suspected drugs. Mercat Cross and City centre Community Council had said the dimly-lit close was a target for antisocial behaviour with residents having had to endure people injecting drugs, under age drinking, vomiting, urination and people committing sexual acts.
Locals had called for investment in better lighting, CCTV and improved signage for the vennel.
Stirling Council’s environment and housing committee are due to be updated on the recommendations for the vennel and the underpasses at a meeting tomorrow (Thursday).
Suggestions for the Craigs/ Wellgreen roundabout include landscaping and tree removal, 10 convex mirrors, enhanced and renewed lighting, planting, fence alterations, and repainting at a total cost of £36,000.
Four extra convex mirrors have been suggested for the Customs roundabout (£4k); and four convex mirrors and increase in the height of banking at Borestone roundabout (total £9k).
The push for safety improvements was originally instigated by pupils from Wallace High School.
Last year they addressed the council’s public safety committee and produced a Youtube video highlighting their issues with the Customs roundabout underpasses linking Riverside, Raploch, Causewayhead and the city centre, which included the need for improved lighting, better signage, higher levels of cleanliness, murals and visible CCTV.
Since then a number of measures have been carried out there.
In February 2016 a woman was raped in the underpass and in 2011 88-year-old war veteran John Gillespie died after being found injured there. The former sailor had been beaten by a man after he refused to hand over his wallet.
In a report due before tomorrow’s committee, officers said: “Drainage improvements are planned for the Craigs roundabout, comprising of a review of the existing drainage to ensure effectiveness and including any works required to restore them to an acceptable standard. Particular attention will be paid to the underpass exit to the KFC/petrol station where ponding is at its worst.
“The work will be undertaken following the reopening of the Kerse Road bridge to ensure there is no further disruption, and funded from within the roads budget allocation.
“There are also proposals to make improvements to the interior of the underpasses. The bridges team are currently assessing potential remediation measures to improve appearance and life span of all underpasses under Stirling Council ownership.
“Protective remedial measures may include a full clean of the underpasses, removal of all existing facades, coatings or paintwork, and the subsequent application of products to protect against degradation of concrete and potential vandalism.”