CAMPAIGNERS pushing for the A737 to be upgraded to a dual carriageway secured a victory as councillors agreed to put pressure on the Scottish Government to deliver the project.

At a virtual meeting of Renfrewshire Council, elected members voted through a motion by Councillor Andy Doig which called on the local authority to push ministers at Holyrood to agree to the full dualling of the busy route.

The motion also demanded that the Scottish Government give a timescale and budget for its completion.

The notorious road is dualled up to Kilbarchan but then turns into a single carriageway for the stretch down to Lochwinnoch.

A number of high-profile accidents have taken place there over the years, including fatalities.

Councillor Doig, who represents the area as an Independent, said the upgrade would benefit villagers economically and in terms of safety.

He added: “Since June 2015, I have consistently argued for the dualling and upgrade of the A737.

“I am delighted the council has now spoken with one voice and called on the Scottish Government to fund the upgrade, as this is key for both economic and safety reasons.

“The Lochwinnoch to Kilbarchan stretch requires dualling if my constituents in Johnstone and the villages are to take advantage of the estimated economic opportunities at the Glasgow Airport Investment Area over the next decade.”

Councillor Doig also said there is “a compelling health and safety case” for the upgrade of the A737 which has gathered significant community support, led by members of Howwood Community Council, but also backed by those in Johnstone, Kilbarchan, Lochwinnoch and Brookfield.

He added: “The notorious Howwood junction is a blackspot where many accidents have taken place. This has to end.”

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