MSP asks for U-turn over road proposals
South Lanarkshire can do a U-turn on the controversial dualling of Stewartfield Way.
The Scottish Government Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, Paul Wheelhouse, answered questions from Tory Central Scotland MSP Graham Simpson and East Kilbride MSP Linda Fabiani in parliament on how the government ensures that City Deal projects help tackle climate change.
It was revealed that given the‘climate emergency’announced by First Minister Nicola Strugeon, changes to £62million Stewartfield Way plans could be made.
Mr Simpson is now calling on ministers to step in on the Stewartfield Way scheme.
Mr Simpson said:“New road projects clearly have the potential to make climate change worse and any proposed under City Deal’s should be backed by robust evidence.
“Unfortunately, this has not been provided by South Lanarkshire Council for its proposed widening of Stewartfield Way.
“Trees will be uprooted and green space next to the popular James Hamilton Heritage Loch would be built on.
“There is no obvious traffic problem there to be solved. The council is now consulting the public but their online questionnaire doesn’t even provide the option to say if you are for or against the project. It is a sham.”
The council say there is an option to do this. During questions Mr Wheelhouse said that Transport Secretary Michael Mathieson would be happy to“engage”with the council.
Mr Simpson went on:“It was an encouraging response.
“The council needs to go back to the drawing board. There is simply no need to dual the road.
“They have removed – without asking councillors – the only bit of the scheme that made any sense, the flyover at Kingsgate.
The MSP has delivered flyers round
Stewartfield urging people to let the council know what they think.
He added:“Even though their online questionnaire doesn’t allow for a for or against view, people can still email or write to the council and I am urging them to do so.”
Ms Fabiani said:“I am glad that the Scottish Government agrees with me that in light of both the Scottish Government and South Lanarkshire Council making climate emergency declarations, it is appropriate to reconsider long-standing projects under the city deal.
“I’ll be following up my previous correspondence with the Council and the City Deal Cabinet, and meeting with SLC to further discuss.”
SLC’s head of roads, Gordon Mackay, said “consultation will inform how we proceed with project”adding that congestion on the road at peak times was a“regular occurrence,”with the dualling expected to“ease this pressure”.