TRAFFIC LIGHTS at Crocketford will finally be reinstated, nine months after they were wiped out in a horrendous road crash.
An HGV lorry took out, amongst other things, the pedestrian crossing light and control box following an accident on 21 November, 2022.
Villagers have also been demanding improvements at the crossing, claiming it had been left in an unsightly and dangerous manner.
Work is now being scheduled and should be started in the coming days, according to the transport infrastructure operator AMEY.
Local constituency MSP Finlay Carson received the confirmation from AMEY that the required components have arrived to allow them to be restored again.
The move comes after the Galloway and West Dumfries MSP repeatedly pressed the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland to have the damaged lights reinstated as a matter of urgency.
He said: “It has been a long time coming but I am pleased that the lights will soon be up and running again.
“As we all know these lights play a vital role in ensuring the safety of the residents living in Crocketford.
“In the absence of average speed cameras or other speed restrictions it allow pedestrians to cross the road safely.
“Like many people in the community I have been anxious that these lights be reinstated as quickly as possible as safety is, of course, of paramount importance.
“I understand there was a delay in sourcing the components, a delay which I believe has been unacceptable, but this has been resolved and work will begin shortly to have them up and running as quickly as possible.
“While the need for a bypass around Crocketford remains the ultimate goal, anything else that reduces the risk of injury has to be encouraged.”
The news will also be welcomed by Crocketford Community Initiative who have also been actively campaigning for the crossing in the middle of the village to be restored.
Meg Fulton, spokesperson for the initiative, said: “I think the people of Crocketford and the surrounding area put up with a lot with regards volume and speeds of traffic on the A75.
“We had to fight long and hard to get our crossing and we would like it back, please. Ideally, we would like the permanent crossing reinstated before our children return to school on 22 August 2023.”
