A frustrated residents’ group say they will “believe it when we see it” after council chiefs vowed to take legal action to be able to have their pothole-ridden road fixed for good.
Homeowners on Margaret Drive say they have been promised repairs to adjoining Gilmour Street would be carried out in the past but have been let down.
They spoke to the Lennox Herald about the long-running saga saying the stretch of private road is in such a state the school bus has refused to come up it, taxis are reluctant to service the area and residents, who have also been injured as a result, have had to fork out expensive bills to fix their motors.
A spokesman for the Margaret Drive Residents’ Association (MDRA) said: “People are falling, breaking bones and cars are being damaged.
“The school bus was refusing to come up when the road was in a better state than it is now. The council came and filled the potholes when that happened but that’s just a temporary fix.
“The council do emergency repairs but that’s all.”
West Dunbartonshire Council told us it was anticipated that work will be completed in autumn but the residents’ spokesperson was sceptical.
He said: “We have been hearing this for a year. They have not issued the notices. The notice letters haven’t been sent out.
“They have told us this on the past three occasions.
“It’s wishy-washy nonsense. We will believe it when we see it.”
The clued-up residents have researched the issue extensively and have been clear with the council that they don’t expect them to fork out for the repairs as the stretch of road is private and not under council ownership.
They say they need the council to enforce the private roads act in order for works to be undertaken so no single party can stop it going ahead and argue it is in such a state it has to be done as a matter of urgency.
The residents’ group went on: “We are going into the second winter and that road is not going to last.
“The legislation that is there protects people like us and we have asked the council to enforce the legislation.”
They say they have had dialogue with council officers and say some of the conversations have been encouraging but they have never led to action.
The residents have been frustrated due to the condition of the road which they say falls well under the criteria needed to enforce repairs.
The spokesman went on: “We have asked what they deem as unsafe and asked if they will come up and inspect it.
“If a hole is 40mm it is said to be critical. I went down to measure them and they are three times that.
“If that’s not unsafe, what is?
“We don’t think private roads legislation has been enforced in West Dunbartonshire before and they may be afraid of setting a precedent.
“But if you look at the legislation any costs will be recouped by the council.”
The residents have also tried to force action through the Community Empowerment Act but they say they are still waiting on a response from that.
One of the women told us that she has had to fork out £340 for repairs to her car including damaged suspension.
She said: “When I asked the garage what would cause it they said it was likely the state of the road.”
The residents have been in touch with local councillor Caroline McAllister who says she shares their frustrations.
She said: “I have visited on a number of occasions and agree the road continues to deteriorate.
“I was advised a letter of notice would be sent to the relevant households at the end of May giving 28 days notice that should repairs not be carried out the council would arrange for said repairs and bill the households accordingly.
“It remains unclear if said letters have been sent despite my numerous enquiries with officers in the council and it is deeply disappointing to hear this issue hasn’t progressed.
“I have been furnished with the numerous attempts by MDRA to resolve this issue including offering to cover the costs of the repairs when they were getting Margaret Drive resurfaced. Unfortunately that generous offer was rejected and so the longstanding saga continues.
“I will continue to pursue this issue on behalf of the residents of Margaret Drive.”
Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie has also been in discussion with residents and is urging the council to ensure action is taken.
She said: “Since 2019 I have repeatedly asked the council to intervene in this matter. It is well within the council’s ability to enforce the Private Roads Act so that work can begin and I do not understand their unwillingness to help the residents of both Margaret Drive and Gilmour Street. I will continue to fight alongside local residents and once again call on the council to act on this matter.”
A West Dunbartonshire Council spokeswoman told the Lennox Herald: “This is a private road and its residents have responsibility for maintaining it to a sufficient standard so safe passage can continue.
“As we have contacted residents twice about essential improvements required and received no response, we are now seeking enforcement under the Roads Act where permitted, which will allow us to carry out the works and pursue those responsible for the road for payment.”
