TECHNICAL advisers have been appointed to devise bypass options for Crocketford and Springholm.
After over a decade of campaigning, plans to improve the A75 are moving on as the Scottish Government confirms that transport experts have been appointed to design plans to improve the road.
Galloway and West MSP Finlay Carson described the move as ‘positive’ and hopes that a timetable can now be confirmed.
He said: “This is most encouraging news that finally something positive is happening that will allow the residents in both communities peace of mind.
“It has taken a long, long time to get to this stage – possibly too long – but finally, at last, we are moving in the right direction.
“This has been a battle to convince the Scottish Government of the importance to bypass both villages, something I have raised at Holyrood on countless occasions and will continue to do in future.
“What we must see now is action and not words, the people of Springholm and Crocketford deserve no less. We need to hear now when spades will hit the ground.”
The Conservative MSP is also pressing the new Secretary of State for Scotland to pay a visit.
Similarly he is seeking discussions with the Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop to raise maintenance issues that have resulted in the A75 being closed overnight with long traffic diversions.
In a statement this this week Ms Hyslop said the latest development is a step forward for this project, adding: “We are committed to improving safety, resilience and reliability on the A75 for everyone who uses this key trunk road, including the freight operators. We are pleased to be taking this work forward to improve the lives of people living, visiting and working in the villages.”
