More roadworks on way despite pledge
Preparations for new solar panels
Stirling is set for more road works despite assurances that none would be approved whilst the works at the Kerse Road rail bridge are ongoing.
The Observer reported last November how council chiefs said there would be a moratorium on planned roadworks in parts of the city until the bridge replacement was completed. However, a £1 million electricity upgrade, likely to lead to traffic disruption, is to start in St Ninians and Raploch this month.
Scottish PowerEnergy Networks is carrying out work to improve the electricity network in support of a Stirling Council drive to install solar panels in their tenants’ homes.
The scheme is designed to help reduce household bills and to contribute towards Scotland’s carbon reduction targets. During an upgrade of the electricity network, equipment will be installed to manage the additional flow of power. Preparatory work in St Ninians will begin on July 16 and the Raploch area a week later on July 22.
Initially work will be on Mayfield Street then Cornhill Crescent and Glencairn Street in St Ninians.
There will be partial road closures and sectionalised parking restrictions but SPEN says it will look to retain as much access as possible and it will ensure access to all properties.
The energy firm will have staff on site to speak with residents and letters will also be issued the each property.
SPEN project manager, Archie Ferguson, said: “As always, our number one priority is public safety and keeping any disruption to a minimum.
“We know there are a number of projects already underway in Stirling, so we have been working closely with the council’s roads department in order to ensure our plans are fully co-ordinated.
“The work will require some traffic management, and we will keep residents informed and updated as the work progresses. With more local green power being generated by homes, and the anticipated increased uptake of electric vehicles in the years ahead, we are delivering major upgrades right across our network. This work in Stirling will help to ensure that the electricity network is fit for future demands.”
A spokesperson for Stirling Council defended the decision, saying that the majority of Scottish Power works will initially be carried out within the residential areas of St Ninians and Raploch and not on the diversionary routes for the Kerse Road bridge closure.
They added: “There are one or two Glasgow Road locations where Scottish Power work will be taking place but this will be off of the main carriageway and on the footway. This will not impact on the flow of traffic on the road network.
“No extra work will be approved on the diversionary routes until after the planned reopening of Kerse Road in late October 2018.”
A total of 2600 council homes already have had solar photovoltaic systems installed, with tenants benefiting from a proportion of their energy needs generated for free. A further 1100 homes will be completed by March next year.
SPEN also says it will work with the council to plan further enhancements in Bannockburn, Braehead, Cornton, Cowie, Fallin, St Ninians, Plean and Whins of Milton. SPEN have also been carrying out work along the A9 through Plean. Work on the £25million project to remove 51 pylons between Stirling and Falkirk started in September last year and will see over 10 miles of underground cable installed between Manor Powis and Glenbervie.
Our number one priority is public safety and keeping disruption to a minimum