Date set for long-awaited Campbeltown pavement repairs

The footway hit the headlines again in August last year, because of issues experienced by pedestrians, particularly those with wheelchairs and pushchairs, in negotiating barriers erected to divert them around the pavement’s uneven surface.

A spokesperson for BEAR Scotland said permanent repairs were scheduled for October/November but this was delayed because investigation works to determine the position and depth of cables, ducts and pipes beneath the surface of the footway were required.

Earlier this year, temporary traffic lights were erected at the location to allow space for the pedestrian diversion, reducing the road to a single-lane of traffic and causing and frustration for motorists.

And, in March, South Kintyre councillor Tommy Macpherson said he had escalated the matter to the Scottish Government due to the continued delays.

The news that the permanent repairs are scheduled to be completed next month will no doubt be welcomed by all concerned.

The works are programmed to take place between 7am and 7pm each day, including Saturday May 10 and Sunday May 11, in order to facilitate a continuous programme and reduce the overall scheme duration.

The road and footway will remain open during the works, however, a traffic management system, incorporating temporary traffic signals with lane closures, and footway diversion, will be implemented to ensure the safety of road workers, road users, cyclists and pedestrians. 

As part of the footway diversions, temporary pedestrian crossing points will be set up at either end of the site, to allow pedestrians to travel safely along Millknowe Road. 

A temporary bus stop will also be installed adjacent to the Co-op car park, as the existing bus stop lies within the works extents and, therefore, would not be safe to use whilst the works are ongoing.

Premises and residents within any closure will be permitted access during the works, although there may be times when this is restricted due to the nature of the works and to ensure the safety of the road workers and members of the public. 

When access is restricted, a member of the site team will contact those affected to advise of the specific arrangements and duration while the adjacent works are carried out. 

Access will also be maintained to the bowling club, although anyone wishing to enter or leave the bowling club is advised to wait to be escorted across the trunk road for their safety; signs will be installed at either side of the trunk road to advise of this safety requirement.

Access through the works site for emergency services will be maintained at all times.

“I remain conscious that the safety of pedestrians, road-users and the workforce is the priority,” said Councillor Macpherson.

“Campbeltonians have a simple ask – let’s complete the works to a standard, within the time and a focus towards as little disruption, and inconvenience to passers-by, to the club and the local bus service as possible.”