Funding for road safety project in Crieff

Funding which could pave the way for long-awaited safety improvements on Crieff’s Broich Road has been given the green light by councillors.

Members of Perth and Kinross Council’s strategic policy and resources committee voted on Wednesday to adjust the local authority’s environment service budget to enable funds to be released to pay for work to be carried out on the Broich Road/Burrell Street/King Street junction and claim back costs from developers at a later date.

Planning consent is currently in place for three significant development proposals along Broich Road, which include a requirement for appropriate road realignment work to be fullyfunded by developers – currently estimated to cost £195,000.

However, PKC has now decided, following consultation with local elected members and the community, to improve road safety measures adjacent to the sites and it will“take the opportunity to undertake this work at the same time as the road realignment”, according to a report drawn up by council officers.

The total cost of the scheme is expected to be £320,000.

Strathearn ward councillor Roz McCall is a committee member and voted in favour of releasing the funding.

She said this would now allow council officers to move onto the next stage and produce detailed designs which will then be factored into the schedule of any work.

Included in the safety measures are signal controlled pedestrian crossings, cycle paths and footpaths.

Councillor McCall said:“I know the condition of the roads are an important issue for local residents and I made it a priority to convince the council leader and raise the profile of this particular road and junction as soon as I was elected.

“I am delighted this Conservative-led administration has listened and acted.

“The problems with the Broich Road and the junction with Burrell Street/King Street are decades old and to wait for the developers was clearly not working.”

She added:“We are dealing with road conditions that have been allowed to deteriorate and it is taking time to clear up this SNP mess.

“I am thrilled that, finally, the people of Crieff will have the investment to benefit the area, increase safety for cyclists and pedestrians, and hopefully give the developers confidence to move their projects forward.”

Councillor Rhona Brock added:“Since being first elected in 2012 I have campaigned to see road improvements on the Broich Road and in particular Burrell Street/King Street junction.

“It has been in working in partnership with the new administration that they have listened to my concerns and I am delighted to report that this proposal is now being put forward after many years of discussions.

“The people of Crieff and surrounding areas will see the much-needed improvements that they have been calling out for.

“It will also allow for cycle routes and safer walkways along this route.

“I would hope that the works would be implemented in time for any development opening to allow the smooth running of the day to day operations.”