The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Councillor Darren Watt is unhappy at roadworks over-running in Cowdenbeath, causing what he feels are unnecessary delays. Picture by Steve MacDougall.
Roadworks in Cowdenbeath have run over after a “straightforward” repair was delayed by “complications”.
Temporary traffic lights were installed on Cowdenbeath High Street, with work due to be completed last week.
But Scottish Water has since encountered further problems that need to be addressed.
Councillor Darren Watt says he is frustrated about “endless” roadworks in the Fife town – and that the area is facing “needless delays”.
He said: “No sooner than SP Energy Networks completed most of the works and removed temporary traffic lights at the south end, we now have Scottish Water adding to the misery with their own works at the north end.
“Although we can fully appreciate such works are necessary and often in response to an emergency, we don’t appreciate the ridiculous delay in restoring services, road surfaces and footpaths.
“The current works by Scottish Water seem to be complete, yet for the last week no efforts have been made to fill in the hole and remove the much-hated temporary traffic lights.”
Scottish Water said a damaged sewer was identified during an investigation into persistent blockages.
A spokesperson said: “This sewer requires an urgent repair and further excavation on Union Street, meaning we cannot remove the traffic management until the repairs have been carried out.
“We are currently planning for these repairs to take place as soon as possible in conjunction with the local authority.
“We would like to thank residents, commuters and local businesses for their patience and we apologise for the inconvenience.”
Martin Kingham, the service manager for roads network management at Fife Council, said Scottish Water has the right to access and repair any problems.
He said: “We’ve been in touch with the contractor who is carrying out the work on behalf of Scottish Water. The contractor confirmed that what normally would’ve been a straightforward repair has been delayed due to complications encountered after they dug the hole.”
“We are planning for these repairs to take place as soon as possible