Council denies work is part of the Bears Way

The controversial work being carried out along Milngavie Road, which includes installing segregated cycle lanes, was suspended last December until the impact of Phase 1 had been carefully considered and the findings had been presented to councillors.

However The M&B Herald has seen a council document which shows that work has started on a section of road that should be part of the next phase of the project.

The document states: “East Dunbartonshire Council’s Transportation Section is to carry out works associated with a new cycle route from the A81 Milngavie Road at Kessington Drive onto MacFarlane Road, Killermont Road, Cluny Avenue, Cluny Drive,Cluny Park and across the A81 Maryhill Road near the Garscube Estate Gate House.

“These works involve dropping kerbs, tactile paving, infill of a bus stop lay-by on Milngavie Road and the provision of a Toucan traffic signal controlled crossing on Maryhill Road near to the Garscube Estate Gate House.”

Independent Councillor Duncan Cumming has raised the issue as a matter of urgency with the chief executive of East Dunbartonshire Council, Gerry Cornes, who is currently investigating.

However the council denies that this work is connected to the Bears Way project.

Councillor Alan Moir, convener of development and regeneration, said: “Contrary to what may have been suggested or interpreted, the works are not associated with the Bears Way segregated cycle lane.

“They are entirely separate and involve the upgrade of existing paths in Cluny Park, tying in with improvement work in the park, and the provision of a pedestrian crossing in Maryhill Road.

“There will be no change to the existing road space or access for any vehicles. As previously stated, no further physical works associated with any potential extension of the Bears Way project will be undertaken without prior consideration by council and consultation with the local community.”

Duncan Cumming said: “I am outraged to learn that the council has now embarked upon more significant projects, without first addressing the very major and unresolved concerns that constituents already have with Phase 1 of the Bears Way.”