Row over Spaces for People measures

Community councillors want some of the controversial Spaces for People (SfP) traffic calming measures to stay in West Lothian

The scheme launched by the Scottish Government at the height of the pandemic lockdown caused fury among many with the introduction of seemingly arbitrary 20mph speed restrictions, cycle lanes, parking bans widened pavements and narrowed roads.

But in three villages around East Calder, residents said they were happy with what had been installed and wished to see the measures retained.

However many locals do not share the sentiment and want the meausures removed.

On Facebook, Kirsty McLeish said she hadn’t heard anyone saying they want them to stay, adding it was “completely the opposite.”

Mark Eccles said: “Who on earth thinks they’re helpful?” and Nikki O’Brien added: “Here we go we knew the clowncil wouldn’t give up on this.”

Community councillors from Mid Calder, East Calder and Kirknewton were invited to give their views on proposals delivered by roads and transport manager, Gordon Brown.

Mr Brown told a meeting of East Livingston and East Calder Local Area Committee: “The SfP footway build-outs were installed to provide more space for people to pass each other on narrow footways and pinch points.

“These footway widenings were installed at Main Street in East Calder, Main Street in Mid Calder . and Station Road in Kirknewton. These are constructed with temporary surfacing, temporary kerbing and removable reflective bollards.”

Mr Brown added: “The frontagers’ directly affected by the footway build-outs and the advisory cycle lanes installed as part of the SfP programme were consulted, however this was a public consultation and not a statutory consultation.

“From the footway widening build-out frontage consultation, the locations at East Calder and Kirknewton were more positive in terms of retention of the measures.

“Opinion on all other footway build-outs at Linlithgow, West Calder and Mid Calder were that they be removed.”

Councillor Carl John told the meeting: “I didn’t realise the community councils had been involved in asking their opinions. Glad to see they are. We have officers from four of the community councils here. Would it be okay if they could just give their opinions?”

Eleanor Blair from Mid Calder Community Council said: “The area in Mid Calder we would like to keep is outside the old Post Office. It’s much better left where it is.”

Chris Davidson from East Calder Community Council said: “The one we have is outside Tesco and the sight lines when the calming measures weren’t there were bad.

“Parking is a major issue in East Calder but the build-out certainly improves sight lines and because its near the school it could prevent accidents, so we have asked for that to be retained.”

John Sives representing Kirknewton Community Council said: “It was discussed last year and I believe that representation was made back to the consultation saying that the Station Road one we would like to retain. Thank you.”

Councillor Damian Doran-Timson asked how the decisions on what would go and what would stay be determined.

Mr Brown replied: “We are currently consulting with local area communities and all the community councils.

The information that we receive back will be included in a report to the environment and sustainability PDSP where it will be scrutinised and discussed.

This will then be put forward to the council executive for a decision on whether the measures remain or be removed.”