THERE’S WEEKS OF CHAOS ON ROADS IN CARLUKE

Eight weeks of roadworks got under way in Carluke last week.

Scottish Gas Networks is carrying out “essential upgrade work” in the High Street area to replace old metal gas mains with new plastic pipe.

The work is part of an ongoing gas mains replacement programme developed with the Health and Safety Executive, with SGN saying the timing Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson delivered the keynote speech at the recent Minority Ethnic Women’s Participation Project, organised by the West of Scotland Regional Equality Council.

The event took place earlier this month and saw a number of speakers discuss civil participation and engagement.

This was an end of year celebration as part of the Living Equality project - a Scottish Government funded programme which aims to increase equal opportunities for diverse minority ethnic women.

Ms Adamson said:“It was a great privilege to be invited to deliver the keynote speech at this wonderful community engagement event.

“I was also pleased to be asked to present certificates to the members who had successfully completed the programme.

“Increasing civic participation to include those communities which are not traditionally always represented makes our democracy stronger and more representative.

“This is a fantastic project and the West of Scotland Regional Equality Council should be commended for their effective delivery of the programme.” of the work has been planned in consultation with South Lanarkshire Council.

Work is to be carried out in two phases, affecting High Street and Kirkton Street, Stewart Street and Clyde Street.

A statement from SGN said: “To ensure everyone’s safety while we are working, the High Street will be closed at its junction with the A73 Kirkton Street for approximately two weeks from July 12.

“A signed diversion for motorists will be in place. Four-way temporary traffic lights will also be in place at the High Street’s crossroads with the A73 Kirkton Street, Stewart Street and Clyde Street until July 24.

“Stewart Street will be reduced to a single lane on its approach to the A73 Kirkton Street crossroads.

“Once this phase is complete, we will then move into Clyde Street where we’ll have temporary two-way traffic lights in place around our work area as we move along the road.

“Work is due to be completed on Friday, September 1.

“Our work has been planned to ensure the gas main is replaced during the school holiday period, when the roads are traditionally quieter, to try to reduce disruption for motorists and local residents.

“We will continue to work with the local authority and community throughout the course of this project.”