Speed worry

Sir, I have been a part-time resident on the island for a number years. I am fortunate enough to have the use of a shared, child-friendly property on Clauchlands Road and, on occasion, a friend’s home on Tennis Court Road. I am a keen supporter of the island as a whole and regularly attend charitable and other events.

I am anxious to raise awareness of the speed at which trades and private vehicles travel along these roads. Particularly Clauchlands Road which has a speed restriction of 30mph. On some days I feel like I’m living beside a motorway.

Sadly it is no longer safe to allow children to cross the road to the beach unsupervised. Walks and bike rides have become hazardous. Exiting driveways is like playing a game of Russian roulette.

I would respectfully ask that all drivers be mindful that there are many children, of all ages, resident or holidaying - not only on Clauchlands Road but the entire island. There are also many domestic pets.

We have wildlife in abundance. We enjoy, at close quarters, squirrels, pheasants, heron and rabbits frolicking in our garden. Indeed, that is one of the main reasons for my letter. We watched in horror this morning as one of our young rabbits became the victim of road kill - flattened to a pulp right outside our gate as he was crossing the road, by a vehicle clearly exceeding the limit. It may only be a matter of time before the next victim is a child.

Please help by raising awareness of this very serious issue.

Yours, Yvonne Macfarlane, Lamlash/Helensburgh