Joint effort call to tackle road erosion
Work to tackle subsidence and erosion on a road linking Bridge of Allan and Dunblane could be achieved through the towns’ community councils joining forces.
That was suggested at the meeting of Bridge of Allan Community Council chairman Mike Watson last Tuesday evening.
The Glen Road, a popular walking route, was closed to vehicles in 1987 and is currently unadopted by Stirling Council. There is no vehicular traffic access 1000 metres beyond the Glen Road junction with Upper Glen Road, Bridge of Allan. In August 2012 heavy rainfall led to subsidence in Glen Road and since then erosion has been a continuing concern. The road is part of the Sustrans 765 route from Stirling to Doune.
Mr Watson described the Glen Road path at the meeting as “an asset for this community and this village and Dunblane.”
He added: “It is an opportunity to work closely with Dunblane Community Council.”
Drainage above the road “no longer functions” and money was needed to repair the route and reduce erosion which has been estimated in the region of £10,000.
Volunteers – working through Dunblane Development Trust – are grateful for any financial contribution Bridge of Allan Community Council are able to make, he added.
However, former Community Council chairman Gavin Drummond pointed to a geological report carried out a number of years ago which stated it would only be a matter of time before the road was lost to erosion.
He added: “You can see soil and clay underneath the road surface. Water is taking that down.” Spending money on the road, he said, could be a case of throwing good money after bad.
And community council member Iain McCusker said: “Engineers have said it is inevitable that the road will go at some point. So it’s a case of how much money you are willing to spend on it to postpone the inevitable.”
Dunblane and Bridge of Allan residents are currently working together through Dunblane Development Trust on the remedial work on the Glen Road path. This has involved managing drains and vegetation as well as removing fallen trees with the help of Stirling Council.
The matter of Bridge of Allan Community Council contributing towards the work is expected to be brought back to Bridge of Allan Community Council after its summer break. A meeting has also been scheduled meantime to look at the remedial works in more detail.
A Glen Road path appeal has been set up at: http://www.dunblane.info/1471glen-road-path-appeal