ROADS chiefs are being urged to make improvements to lighting and an “unsafe” wall on a Lochwinnoch route, amid fears of a serious accident.
Councillor Andy Doig wants street lights to be installed on a section of the A760 between Lochbarr Services and the Lochlip Road junction.
There is no street lighting in the area and he is also worried about the poor condition of a retaining wall that is the responsibility of MacDowall Estates.
Councillor Doig, who represents Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch as an Independent, said the rest of the A760, which connects Renfrewshire with North Ayrshire, is well lit and it is time this stretch was brought up to standard.
He added: “Between Lochbarr Services, at the end of Lochwinnoch Main Street, and the Lochlip Road junction near the public park, there is a notorious section of the A760 which has no street lighting whatsoever and this danger is compounded by the almost total collapse of the retaining wall and the concurrent risk of masonry falling onto the road.
“This really needs to be addressed. This stretch is in stark contrast to the rest of the A760, which has extensive LED lighting from the North Ayrshire border up past Lochbarr Services and past the RSPB reserve near Lochwinnoch train station.
“I am sad to say this dark stretch of the A760 is far from safe. I’ve seen chunks of masonry on the A760 which have fallen from the MacDowall Estates wall and these have been large enough to cause significant damage to the underside of a car or kill a cyclist or motorcyclist.”
Councillor Doig said he has written to officers at Renfrewshire Council to suggest funds for new lights should be included in the 2022/23 budget, with Stirling-based Managed Estates, which looks after the MacDowall land, also being asked to fix or remove the wall.
He added: “I don’t think the council realises the extent of the problem. It’s a particular concern for people walking to the train station.”
However, a council spokesman said there are no plans for more lighting on the A760.
He added: “The safety of all road users remains our priority and we continually review the safety of our road network.
“The A760 is a rural road with two sections lit – the railway station to Lochlip and Main Street to Garpel House.
“There are no plans to light further sections of this road at this stage.”
Managed Estates declined to comment when asked if it has plans to repair or remove the wall.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here