Junction plan - fight goes on

Two weeks ago, proposals for the Catherine Street junction were voted through by East Dunbartonshire Council’s Development and Regeneration Committee, sparking widespread concern.

The go-ahead by the committee to remove traffic lights, barriers and kerbs will now be recommended for approval at a meeting of the full council on April 30.

Members of East Dunbartonshire Visually Impaired Forum have been some of the strongest opponents of the plan, labelling the new junction the “Russian Roulette” of crossings .

A traffic trial of the scheme last summer provoked widespread criticism from the public.

Forum chairman Sandy Taylor, who attended the committee meeting where the plans were passed, said: “It is no surprise the council voted as they did, as they have clearly decided to ignore the wishes of the vast majority of the residents of Kirkintilloch.

“ At no time during this committee meeting was the public mentioned and once again its voice was ignored.

“However, it is getting louder as more and more people become aware of the full 
extent of what is happening.”

He continued: “Our campaign will continue.

“The public demand the retention of safety barriers and controlled crossings.

“I urge the people and retailers of Kirkintilloch to fight for their town and contact their councillor, demanding to be heard.”

More than 1,500 people have signed a petition set up by the Forum against the proposals for the town centre junction.

But last week,the council’s regeneration director, Thomas Glen, said council officers had “reiterated the 
rational behind the scheme as being to help regenerate Kirkintilloch town centre as a destination for people to work, shop and visit.”

SNP councillors on the Development and Regeneration Committee had put forward an amendment at the meeting to allow the traffic lights with pedestrian crossing to 
be kept, but this was rejected by the rest of the committee.