DEMAND for safety crossings to return to Catherine Street in Kirkintilloch is as crucial as ever, MSP Rona Mackay has said.
It comes as East Dunbartonshire Council announce the near completion of its controversial four-way shared space scheme in the town centre.
While welcoming the reopening of the high street, Ms Mackay has slammed the council for “ignoring the pleas of the most vulnerable in the community”.
Last month, Labour and Tory councillors rejected SNP’s plans at a full council meeting to return safety crossings to the busy junction.
Ms Mackay said: “Everyone will be glad the town centre in Kirkintilloch is no longer a building site – but the fact vulnerable pedestrians are still at risk at Catherine Street is incredibly frustrating for many of my constituents.
“Labour and Tory councillors who backed the shared space project need to reassure residents that they prioritise the safety of constituents.
“Instead of listening, Labour council leader Rhondda Geekie has u-turned on returning safe crossings – ignoring the pleas of the most vulnerable in the community.
“No one is asking for major changes, but just the reinstallation of traffic lights and safe crossings that can be navigated by constituents with guide dogs, the elderly, disabled and vulnerable members of the community.
“The only way to address road safety at this shared space is to elect in SNP councillors in the upcoming council elections in May, who, as the administration, will vote restore the safety crossings which they have budgeted for. Quite evidently, Labour and Tory elected members have no interest in reinstating them.”
ENDS