Council ditches proposal to shut Cowgate

The decision was taken at an online meeting of East Dunbartonshire Council on Thursday, August 20.

This came after criticism of the plan by First Glasgow bus company back in June.

An online survey “Your Kirky Consultation” carried out by Kirkintilloch Community Council (KCC) in May on the reopening of the town centre during covid-19 with social distancing, generated 625 responses, with 72.9 per cent favouring some sort of closure of Cowgate and 14.3 per cent against.

But it is understood the consultation did not take 
into account the views of local businesses. People who had no access to the internet were 
also not able to take part.

First Glasgow said it believed the proposals, while “well intentioned”, didn’t take into consideration the needs of bus users.

Operations director Duncan Cameron said at the time: “First Glasgow is dismayed and concerned that current proposals to close part of Cowgate are being progressed without proper thought or consultation about its potential impact.”

The closure was also met with criticism from residents and businesses on the Herald’s Facebook page, with few 
supporting it.

At last week’s council meeting, it was decided that no form of temporary pedestrianisation would take place but that the council would continue to engage with Your Kirky and separately with Kirky BID to support both organisations.

It was also decided that a further report on Kirky town centre be brought back to the council at a later date.

The council also noted the findings and suggested proposals from the Your Kirky survey by KCC in response  to the pandemic and thanked those involved, 

Councillors also reiterated their commitment to improving Regent Gardens, continuing plans which were first proposed in 2013.

Council officers will use external funding to support costs such as design work, site investigation and consultation, and the next phase is expected to cost up to £100,000.