First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is to be asked to provide an update on bids to upgrade two of the region’s key roads.
The Scottish Parliament’s public petitions committee met recently to discuss campaigns to improve both the A75 and A77 – the first time the petitions were discussed since June, 2019.
It was noted that in November, 2019, both petitions had been raised with the First Minister who said she would respond in writing and “use these petitions as a case study to describe the process that the Government goes through in reaching decisions”.
However, “despite repeated requests” for the information, it had not been received.
At last Thursday’s meeting, committee members agreed to write to the First Minister and also the North Channel Partnership.
The organisation has been reformed since the committee last met and one of its aims was “to promote the cause of road upgrades in south west Scotland from the ferry ports”.
It was agreed to write to them seeking their views on the petitions and also to find out what they are working on.
Meanwhile, a strong case for a major upgrade of the A75 has been presented as part of a UK-wide transport study.
The Union Connectivity Review (UCR) team received submissions from individuals and organisations with an interest in the Gretna to Stranraer route.
Campaigners hope a positive recommendation could lead to substantial UK Government investment in the road.
“I’ve again pressed the case for the A75 in my latest discussions with Sir Peter and I’d like to thank constituents who have also given their views and made submissions to the review team.”
