Paving the way ahead for Hillfoot shoppers

GROUND WORK: Workers Kevin Gallagher, Robert Leitch, Stuart McGinlay and Manuel Reiss with Economic Development Manager Gail Macfarlane and Councillor Alan Moir, Convener of Development and Regeneration.

East Dunbartonshire Council began working outside the shops on Milngavie Road, Bearsden, in January - revamping the road layout, parking bays and the footpath.

They say the work will pave the way for improved transport links, better parking for shoppers and more business for traders.

The project was completed in phases, with the new parking bays opening in April - 12 weeks after works started. The upgraded area in front of the shops was finished the following week.

The total cost - which included high-quality granite kerbs and slabs - was £315,000, which was funded by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT).

Parking has been difficult for a number of years in Hillfoot, which has a variety of high-quality and boutique businesses, so the council took the opportunity to address long-term commuter parking with the introduction of a two-hour waiting restriction.

They say this means there will be greater accessibility and turn-over of parking availability for shoppers.

The project complements the A81 Quality Cycle Corridor and the Kessington Travel Hub and encompasses the Scottish Government’s latest design guidance - using high-quality footway and road infrastructure.