Council leader admits shared space failure after pressure from campaigners

COUNCIL leader Rhondda Geekie has admitted on national radio that the Kirkintilloch shared space initiative at the Catherine Street junction has failed.

Live on BBC Radio Scotland she told presenter John Beattie that East Dunbartonshire Council can reverse the controversial changes after saying she is “disappointed it’s not worked in Kirkintilloch”.

Rona Mackay MSP, who was also on the BBC show, welcomed the statement from Councillor Geekie and has written to the council’s Deputy Chief Executive Thomas Glen to ask how and when the process can be started and when arrangements will be made to consult with residents and vulnerable groups on safety changes.

On the show, the Strathkelvin and Bearsden MSP outlined the problems at the junction, such as vulnerable constituents being effectively excluded from the town, and how drivers and pedestrians are left confused as to who has the right of way.

Police have dealt with several accidents at the junction, and there have been social media reports of drivers in minor collisions and episodes causing commotion.

Rona at the BBC newsroom at the Scottish Parliament

Ms Mackay said: “I am glad the council leader and I are finally on the same page when it comes to this shared space shambles in Kirkintilloch town centre.

“I would like to thank all of those who spoke out against this, and Liz Gallacher at the Kirkintilloch Herald for excellent and impartial coverage. Though we still have to keep up the pressure.

“I have written to Depute Chief Executive Thomas Glen, asking how and when we can go about consulting in detail with vulnerable groups over what they would like to see implemented to places like Catherine Street.

“I’m looking forward to this disastrous vanity project by our Labour-led council being sorted out to ensure the needs of all of my constituents are taken into consideration.”

Campaigner Sandy Taylor spoke on BBC Radio Scotland shortly after Ms Mackay and Cllr Geekie.

Rona added: “I applaud the tenacity Sandy has shown to help our community.”

ENDS

Listen to the interviews from 36 minutes in on the John Beattie show: http://bbc.in/2iEYMsh