The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
End is in sight for Thornton residents fed up with potholes
Transport: Locals driven round bend by state of roads get promise of repairs from council
It has been a bumpy ride but an end to the misery endured by long-suffering Thornton residents plagued by potholes is finally in sight.
People in the village have complained that much-needed resurfacing work promised to them last year by Fife Council has still not been carried out in Main Street, despite new cycle lanes being installed.
The condition of the road has deteriorated significantly in recent weeks as a result of the cold weather, and the patience of villagers is wearing thin.
However, The Courier has learned vital repairs are expected to be carried out within a matter of weeks to ensure as smooth a passage as possible for those travelling through the village.
The issue has been raised by resident Audrey Richardson, who believes work is long overdue.
“The road is in an absolutely terrible state and we were told they (the council) were going to sort it last year,” she said.
“We’ve had cycle tracks laid out in the village (heading) both ways but I haven’t seen a single cyclist using them and it’s been obvious for some time that the road needs to be looked at.
“Strathore Road is in a similar state – it’s not as busy but it still has plenty of traffic going along it.”
Mrs Richardson also highlighted a long-standing problem with an electronic speed warning sign in the village that constantly flashes a driver’s speed in green, rather than red — no matter what speed someone is travelling at.
“I reported it last August and was assured it would be looked at and, if necessary, a new machine would be put in place,” she noted.
“We’ve always had a problem with people speeding through the village and this won’t help.”
Despite the concerns, though, Kevin Smith, lead professional in Fife Council’s roads network management, has assured residents both bugbears are on the local authority’s radar.
“Resurfacing works on the Main Road in Thornton are scheduled to begin in mid-March for approximately four weeks,” he said.
“Strathore Road isn’t included in this programme of works but we’ll send an inspector out to assess any defects and plan it in for future works if necessary.”
And on the speed sign issue, Mr Smith added: “The electronic sign has been reported and will be reset so it operates correctly.”
We’ve had cycle tracks laid out in the village (heading) both ways but I haven’t seen a single cyclist using them and it’s been obvious for some time that the road needs to be looked at.
AUDREY RICHARDSON