End in sight at last for bridge saga
FED-UP residents could finally regain access to local streets as a long-running dispute nears its end.
Scottish Water has been locked in a battle with Network Rail and Glasgow City Council over which body was responsible for repairs to a bridge.
Now it looks like an end is in sight, with delight expressed by the community.
A LONG-RUNNING dispute over who is responsible for works at a North Glasgow bridge has come to an end with Scottish Water signalling they could be on site next spring to fix the problem.
The utility firm said it is finalising the design of the repair work to be carried out at the railway bridge on Balmore Road.
It is understood Scottish Water, Network Rail and Glasgow City Council had discussions over who was responsible for the repairs to the bridge and the water main it carries.
Over the last few years, the preparatory work has affected access to Possilpark, Milton, Lambhill, and Parkhouse Railway Station.
Now after intervention by elected members, the council and Scottish Water have agreed the design for these works will be completed over the coming months with the project expected to commence in the spring.
MP Paul Sweeney said: “I’m sure residents in Possilpark, Milton and Lambhill will be pleased that chronic traffic delays and inconvenience on Balmore Road will finally be coming to an end.”
Councillor Gary Gray added: “I’m very pleased that there is eventually going to be something done.
“There have been so many traffic cones on that part of this ward for so long, that some people thought the Duke of Wellington’s statue was being moved up here from the Modern Art Gallery.”
Councillor Robert Mooney added: “I too am delighted that something is eventually being done, this area has been particularly hazardous for pedestrians and even more so for people with disabilities, including myself as someone who is partially sighted.
“I look forward to the completion of the project.”
A Scottish Water spokeswoman said: “We are finalising our design for the work on Balmore Road with a view to progressing to the next stage of project delivery.
“We are working with Glasgow City Council and Network Rail to agree the best way to deliver this work safely while minimising disruption to the railway.
“We very much appreciate everyone’s patience during our preparatory work and while we work towards delivering this complex project.
“We would like to reassure the community that we are doing all we can to deliver this project as quickly as possible.”