United they stand plan
Protest strong against £21m Cathkin Relief route
I’m almost moved to tears.
“I think we can get it stopped. We’ve got to persuade South Lanarkshire Council to actually listen to what the people want.
“It’s all well and good them talking about growth, but this is the only green space we have got left.”
Mr McLennan said he was willing to take the fight to the Scottish Government if needs be. The road will be built with money from the City Deal, which is a partnership between eight local authorities as well as the Scottish and UK Governments.
He said: “We have asked about that.
“We will write to all the members of the City Deal and tell them this road is not wanted and it’s not value for money.
“When you listen to what the council are saying, it’s all gobblespeach and buzz phrases like ‘economic improvements’.
“One thing we’ve been told is that it would help the economic development of Newton. What has this road got to do with Newton?”
Many of the protestors echoed Mr McLennan’s opinion.
Michelle Ferguson (36), from Hazelwood Gardens, warned the council: “To build this road would divide a community.”
“I am here today because they are going to destroy a park that is well used and well loved by the local community.
“The money that is going to be spent could be better used for other projects.
“To dig up this lovely area and put a road here will cause noise and air pollution. You won’t even be able to open your windows in the summer.”
Margaret Ferrier MP said the turnout had been “fantastic”.
She added: “It’s really good to see such a big crowd and I hope planning actually listen to them and takes note of the objections.
“I don’t know whether it’s a done deal or whether it’s something that can be turned around with the money being diverted to other projects.”
The local branch of the Scottish Socialist Party called for the final decision to rest with those who lived alongside the proposed route.
Spo k e s p e r s o n D av i d McClemont said: “Once again South Lanarkshire Council show themselves to be unwilling to listen to the communities they are supposed to serve.
“The SSP calls for a local referendum to settle this issue, this park belongs to the community and they should decide what happens to it.”
The road will link Cathkin Bypass with Fernhill Road, near the junctions with Croftfoot Road.
It has been in the pipeline for over 50 years, and makes up part of South Lanarkshire Council’s local transport strategy.
As well as the 7.6m-wide road that will run for 1.6 kilometres, the plans submitted last month also include provision for lighting, footways, cycleways and drainage.
Head of Roads and Transportation Services at South Lanarkshire Council, Gordon Mackay, said: “The planning application process allows people to put forward their views on the road and they will all be considered when the proposal goes to committee.
“The proposed road is part of the £1.13bn Glasgow and Clyde Valley City Deal, an agreement between the UK government, the Scottish Government and eight local authorities.
“If approved the road will reduce traffic on local residential roads, reduce congestion at peak times and cut carbon emissions.
“There would also be significant economic benefits of this and other City Deal projects with opportunities for further economic growth and new jobs. Public transport and cycle journeys would also be improved.”