‘There was an almighty bang and screaming’

Residents protesting at junction of Waterside Road and Bankhead Road.

Graeme Neil was standing outside his own house in Waterside Road when the accident happened.

He told the Herald: “It was around 7.30pm. I was outside having a cigarette when I heard an almighty bang.

“Everybody started screaming. I couldn’t believe this had happened again.

“There were two people on the bike. The pillion passenger ended up in the back of the garden fence. It could so easily have been our house. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.”

The accident, on Friday, June 12, is the second time in less than a year that Graeme’s neighbour, Stephen Wright and his family have had their home hit by an out-of-control driver.

In October last year, they cheated death when the front wall of their home at Waterside Road was demolished by a car.

Last weekend, Graeme and fellow residents, including members of Waterside Community, joined the family outside their home at the junction with Bankhead Road to demand action from the council and the police.

The Herald is backing their campaign, along with Kirkintilloch East Councillor Jack Young.

He wants a crash barrier installed at the top of the T-junction joining Bankhead Road with Waterside Road.

Councillor Young said last week: “We have a serious situation. These houses need to be protected.”

Mr Wright said he feared someone would be killed.

Speaking to the Herald, he said: “The first accident was supposed to be a one-in-a-million chance. It has happened again. I don’t want someone to be killed.”

Graeme added he and his family were now “on edge” sitting in their own home.

He said: “My partner will not sit on the sofa which is against the front wall of the house.”

He added: “We sit in the house and we hear all sorts going on, with cars racing up and down the road outside. We are constantly on edge.

“We all want the council to do something about this. We need safety measures now.”

As the Herald went to press on Monday, a police spokesman at Kirkintilloch said inquiries were continuing into the latest accident.

Grace Irvine, director of neighbourhood services said last week that if the police recommend additional measures the council would look at the situation.