£2 million for road
THE controversial Kirk Road in Dunbeg has been awarded £2 million for a major upgrade that will include widening the road, and new lighting and pavements.
A PROBLEMATIC road in Dunbeg has received almost £2 million in funding from the Scottish Government.
Kirk Road is the first area to receive money from the Scottish Government’s Housing and Infrastructure Grant.
The money will be used to widen the road, turning it into a six-metre carriageway, with a three-metre footpath and cyclepath on one side and a three-metre verge on the other.
The area, which has been criticised for its lack of lamp-posts, will also see lighting installed along the length of the road.
Councillor for Oban North and Lorn Elaine Robertson said: ‘All I can say is I am delighted and very proud that this has been recognised as an area of growth. I understand we are the first area to receive the Scottish Government Housing and Infrastructure Grant.’
Fellow councillor Kieron Green confirmed the amount as being ‘just under £2 million. This is something the community have waited for for some time now. It’s fantastic and it benefits the community.’
Kirk Road resident Marleen MacInnes said: ‘I think it’s great – at long last. If they had this in the beginning, they would not have had so many problems.
‘It will be much safer for children and the parents, so it’s great news. I will feel much happier for the people passing with pushchairs.’
Chairman of Dunbeg Community Council Sean MacIntyre added: ‘The community around the Kirk Road area are glad it’s finally coming to fruition. This is what we were promised over five years ago before any phases went in. It’s going to be a lot safer for children to walk down there.
‘However, we’re still waiting to see some other infrastructure put in place before any more houses are built. Everyone wants what was promised to them.’
An application was submitted in April this year to extend the village. Link Group plans to build 600 houses between Dunbeg and Ganavan.
However, the community council has set up a petition asking for a bigger school, a roundabout at the A85 junction and play and recreational areas before any further building takes place.
Mr MacIntyre said: ‘Marine Court has been there for threeand-a-half years, but there’s still not a play area.’
Speaking about the Kirk Road upgrade, Mr MacIntyre said: ‘As far as I am aware, it’s going to be a road with pavements, lighting, speed humps and a junction into Marine Court.’
Link Group gave a presentation last Wednesday night showing the community potential plans.