Not enough

The dire condition of the roads on Arran, following what has been the wettest February on record, justifiably has been completely overshadowed by the coronavirus outbreak.

The situation, however, much like coronavirus itself, cannot be ignored. It is fair to say that motorists are facing potentially lethal consequences on the roads of Arran as deep ruts, exposed metal drainage covers and crumbling curbs, are evident everywhere on Arran, from the busiest roads to the quietest.

In Brodick, along the busy stretch outside the pharmacy there are numerous deep holes that, if struck, will result in alloy or suspension damage. These obstacles are causing people to veer into oncoming lanes to avoid them and on Arran’s tight corners it is an accident waiting to happen.

And while we take some comfort in the news that nearly £1 million is to be spent on Arran roads over the next financial year it is difficult to reconcile that with the recent estimate by the Arran Community Council that three years of work are required just to bring the roads up to standard right now.

The £928,000 earmarked for Arran pales into insignificance when we see that nearly £5 million is to be spent on mainland roads in North Ayrshire in the coming year.

The list of repairs on Arran is pitifully small and it can only be hoped that some more money can be found in the not-too-distant future to carry out much-needed, widespread road works.