At random with Martin Laing 08.08.19

Flooded again

 

We reported last week on the burst pipe - for the second time this year - in Oban's Lonan Drive.

 

While worrying in itself, for this to happen twice in such a short space of time brings up other, more serious, concerns.

 

Where this water main burst is very close to where developers want to build 44 new homes, much to the anger of people living in the vicinity already.

 

Now, it is blatantly obvious that I am not an architect, builder or town planner, and I have no vested interest as I live some distance away in Oban, but the thought occurs to me that if the infrastructure in that part of town is already crumbling, then how will it be able to accommodate 44 additional houses?

 

Scottish Water has apologised for the burst 12-inch pipe's impact on the householders involved. But the first first in February caused a giant hole to be dug in one garden and considerable worry again last week.

 

Can someone with the technical knowledge required enlighten me as to why this has happened twice and the likelihood of it occurring again?

 

Escape routes

 

There has been work going on at Tesco in Oban for some months now to remove the former escape routes from along the side of the store in Lochside Street.

 

The guys carrying out the improvements look to me to have done a splendid job under sometimes difficult circumstances, operating as they are in a very confined space. The parts that are finished appear very solid and have been done to a high standard.

 

My only concern is that all the new escape routes seem to involve steps. What about people with mobility problems, or wheelchair users or mums with tots in buggies?

 

In the highly unlikely event of an emergency, how are they to exit the supermarket if the front entrance is not available?

 

At least one of these escape routes should have a ramp.

 

What do you think?

 

Write to me at mlaing@obantimes.co.uk or The Oban Times, Crannog Lane, Oban, PA34 4HB, or call 01631 568021.