Controversial £3.7 million Castle Douglas active travel scheme unlikely to go ahead

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A controversial £3.7 million proposal to replace a roundabout in Castle Douglas looks unlikely to go ahead. An active travel proposal from council consultants Stantec would see four-way traffic lights installed at the King Street junction, sparking fury in the local community.

However, local councillor Iain Howie says he has been told by council officials that the plan will only go ahead if it has the backing of local residents and elected members.

And as more than 3,000 people have signed a petition against the move, which is also opposed by all three ward councillors, it looks like the end of the road for the scheme.

Councillor Howie said: “An assurance has been given to the effect no changes will take place on the roundabout without the approval of the community and elected members. “It’s good news and hopefully takes the heat out of the situation.” Castle Douglas Local Place Plan steering group member, Tammie Kirk, who was behind the petition, added: “There is absolutely no doubt that the community is against it and all three of the town councillors have come out quite vocally to say they’re not in favour of it. “We’re gathering in the last of the petitions and the results will go into the place plan and be sent to the council.” Stantec were tasked with coming up with an active travel proposal to make the junction between Ernespie Road, Queen Street, King Street and Oakwell Road easier for pedestrians and cyclists.