Avon Gorge raised in Scottish Parliament

Cathy Peattie has raised the upgrading of the A801 in the Scottish Parliament

After asking about meetings between those involved, she emphasised the importance of action, pointing out to Minister for Transport, Tavish Scott, "that there have been problems on the road for many years. A major tragedy is waiting to happen. Will he tell us the timescale in which the plans will be finalised and work will start?"

The Minister said that he understood "that the current position is that SESTRAN has committed £220,000 to land acquisition and design work. The estimated cost of completing the upgrade of the road link in question is some £9.5 million. It is important that progress is being made on the acquisition and design issues. I also understand that Falkirk Council has acquired land from three landowners. A deal of work is now being done. I am happy to write to Cathy Peattie with the latest estimates from the agencies involved."

"After a lot of lobbying, I'm glad to say that things are finally moving, but we need to make sure it stays that way. As I said when Mary Mulligan and I met SESTRAN chairman Russell Imrie for talks before Christmas, improving the Avon Gorge will make journeys safer for those who currently use it, and shorter for those who currently avoid it — benefitting safety and the local economy and the environment.''

(January 2007)

Road cash pledge

HOPES are high work on the new road at a well-known local blackspot could start as early as autumn next year. Cash has now been committed to the scheme by the South East Scotland Transport Partnership (SESTRAN), which is to make it a priority. The news was welcomed by local MSPs Mary Mulligan (Linlithgow) and Cathy Peattie (Falkirk East). Their constituencies embrace the notorious Avon Gorge area which also straddles the West Lothian and Falkirk Council boundaries.

Said Ms Mulligan: ''We are delighted that SESTRAN has recognised the need for a new road over the Avon Gorge to replace the dangerous road people have to use at the moment. Local people have waited a long time for this but that wait should soon be over.''

And Ms Peattie added: ''Improving the Avon Gorge will make journeys safer — and for those who currently avoid the route, shorter — which will benefit the local economy and the environment.''

The two politicians met with Russell Imrie, SESTRAN chairman, for talks regarding the timing and finance of the project. In the first year £4.6 million has been earmarked for the job, with £4.8m set aside for year two. Clearing up work at the end should take the total cost to around £10 million. It's hoped contacts can go out to tender in the spring of 2007, with a start made in the autumn, but this will depend on factors such as the weather, bird nesting times and resolution of outstanding land issues.

Said Cathy Peattie: ''I understand Falkirk Council are still putting together the land necessary for the work to go ahead. They have powers to overcome any problems.''

The new road will be built over the Gorge, with a bridge put in place, and will also act as a ''missing link'' in the local motorway network. Once complete it should put an end to difficulties faced by lorries in particular, which can find the narrow winding route tricky to negotiate. Residents in surrounding villages such as Westfield are also sure to welcome the news — for years they have had to bear the brunt of traffic being re-directed through their areas following accidents at the Gorge. The most serious in recent years occurred when cattle being transported in a lorry were burned to death after the vehicle overturned and caught fire.

(as printed by the Bo'ness Journal 291206)

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