Call to re-open through road at Strathclyde Park

The through road has been closed since the start of lockdown but with restrictions easing Councillors Colin Cameron and Meghan Gallacher feel it should re-open now.

Future changes to the park were agreed at a meeting of the council’s Policy and Strategy committee in March but these did not include any permanent road closures.

Councillor Gallacher, who represents Motherwell West, believes the council’s implementation of Scottish Government guidelines under its Spaces for People programme has been “rushed”.

She said: “My inbox has been inundated by residents unable to use this road. The road must be reopened immediately to ensure local people can access the park which connects Motherwell and Bellshill.

“In March 2020, a paper was brought to the Policy and Resources committee detailing future plans for Strathclyde Park, however, there was no mention of permanent road closures.

“There have been issues with the ‘Spaces for People’ policy throughout Motherwell and the surrounding areas. The scheme appears rushed and ill thought out which is impacting local communities. So far, there have been two instances in Motherwell where the council has had to rethink the ‘Spaces for People’ policy.

“I think it’s time for the council to pause and reflect on this scheme and properly consult local communities.”Bellshill representative Colin Cameron added: “Strathclyde Park is the most used public amenity in the whole of North Lanarkshire and is used by residents from all over the area.

“The vast number of people using the park are doing so sensibly and I am concerned that if the road shuts permanently, businesses in the area will shut .

“This would be terrible for the local community and it would be the wrong message to send to small businesses in the area”