Road to close this summer
Published 30 May 2012 09:30
A VITAL road link between Dumbarton and Helensburgh WILL close this summer, despite pleas from business owners.
The A814, which runs through Cardross, will shut a various points throughout the month of July for "extensive improvements".
A convoy system has already been in place since Monday while preperation and road re-shaping work is completed.
Argyll and Bute Council says the work is vital as a result of deterioration, partly due to major gas works undertaken along the stretch
However, business owners along the route had pleaded with the council to keep the road open, fearing the work will steer visitors away and cause major losses during the peak summer trading season.
May Montgomery, director of family-run farm shop Ardardan, said: "There is no denying that the work on the road needs to be done. As a local resident I appreciate the current condition of the road, but as a business owner we will be hugely affected.
"June/July is our busiest time of year and we are only just recovering from the gas maintenance repair works which lasted almost a year-and-a-half. This year we had been hoping for a free run, but this will almost certainly set us back.
"We have received a lot of support from local councillors and Jackie Baillie MSP, but we need more information from the council. It would be better for businesses if one lane could be kept open."
Tracey Davidson, manager of Nursery Rhymes in Cardross, added: "I don't see how the council can justify closing the whole road. How will residents get in and out? How will parents drop off their children?
"I live in Clydebank, so I will also have problems getting to work each day. There needs to be some way of allowing people better access to the village."
A spokeswoman for Argyll and Bute Council said: "The reason there will be road closures for the works being carried out is because of the size of the machine being used to put the surface down.
"It needs two lanes to be done safely and protect workers. Keeping one lane open would mean long delays and so there will be a diversion in place. This is in the interests of safety, quality and efficiency.
"People will still have access to their homes and businesses throughout the works but access points will vary from day to day and there will be signs indicating the accessibility from each end."
The closures will be operating at the following times:
Monday 2nd July to Friday 6th July from 7am to 5pm: Dumbarton - Cardross (Ardoch and Lee Brae works)
Monday 9th July to Friday 13th July from 7am to 5pm: Cardross - Helensburgh (Geilston & Moss Rd)
Monday July 16 to Friday 20th July from 7am to 5pm: Cardross - Helensburgh (Ardmore & Iona stables).
This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 30 May 12
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