The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Crieff folk fear worst as 10 weeks of roadworks begin.
Fears pipe upgrades could delay road improvement work
Crieff residents have been warned to brace themselves for a possible 10 weeks of disruption caused by major gas works. It’s been confirmed that gas distribution company SGN will carry out the work in King Street along with its junctions with James Square and Broich Road, beginning on August 20. The work, which is part of an overall £930,000 project in the area, will involve the replacement of old, metal gas mains with new plastic piping. SGN has already carried out an upgrade of gas works in the Callum Hill and Dollerie Terrace areas of Crieff. Concerns have been raised that the works could delay long-awaited road safety improvements for the Broich Road area, which is regarded as a local accident blackspot. Councillor Stewart Donaldson, SNP representative for the Strathearn ward, said he feels the gas repair work is “necessary” but hopes it will not affect much-needed road safety measures. “The work will start after the Crieff Highland Gathering (on August 19) so I’m glad that has been taken into account,” he said. “What I’d like is an assurance that there will be no hold-ups on road and pedestrian safety improvements on the Broich Road/King Street/Burrell Street junction.” Harry Thomason, chairman of Crieff Community Council, added: “These are essential works and they have to be done. This work will cause disruption for a lot of shops in King Street but I would ask those involved to be patient.” A SGN spokesperson confirmed the starting date for the gas pipe work and claimed the company will try to lessen disruption to local residents over the estimated 10-week period of the work. “Our project to upgrade the local gas network in King Street, Crieff, will begin on Monday August 20, and is expected to last for approximately 10 weeks,” he said yesterday. “We’ll be working between its junctions with James Square and Broich Road over five phases to help minimise disruption. Rolling road closures will be in place for the duration of our work. “We understand that people can get frustrated by roadworks. However, the new plastic pipe has a minimum lifespan of 80 years and will be safe and reliable for years to come. “We always aim to minimise disruption and we will make every effort to ensure our works are completed as soon as possible.”