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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Jack Thomson

New design on cards for junction blackspot as Renfrewshire councillor fears someone could be killed

Ways of redesigning a Howwood junction will be drawn up after a warning was fired that pedestrians could be "killed or seriously injured" at the blackspot.

HGVs and other large vehicles regularly veer on to the wrong side of the road as they navigate the sharp bend at Bowfield Road and Midton Road.

A barrier separating those walking on the pavement – often children going to school or nearby park – from the road has been damaged multiple times by the vehicles.

Councillor Andy Doig, an independent rep for the village, and local residents such as Martin Carden have campaigned for action at the location.

Mr Carden was spurred into action during the summer when his children were involved in a near-miss at the junction, which he said “gave them a huge fright”.

Howver, a breakthrough was achieved at full meeting of Renfrewshire Council when Councillor Doig's motion instructing roads staff to consider options for reconfiguring the junction was passed.

The veteran politician said it was "entirely necessary" from both a health and safety and cost of continuous repair point of view, before claiming that damage is caused at the site "almost monthly".

Councillor Doig said: "I really worry that at some point, somewhere, somebody, possibly a child, is either going to get killed or seriously injured. That is the view of the residents in the Bowfield Road area.

"This junction is near to a major walking route for the children that go to Howwood Primary, so that's a factor.

"It is also adjacent to Howwood public park, that's another factor.

"If you take all of these factors into account, I think we need to look at it."

He commended council officers for the work they've carried out so far, which included increased signage in the area.

However, he added: "I just simply think we need to go further here.

"We need to redesign, reconfigure and restore safety in confidence to the people of Howwood."

Councillor Chris Gilmour, a Labour rep for the village, requested that options brought forward as a result be put before elected members, the community council and local residents for consultation before implementation.

Renfrewshire councillor Chris Gilmour (Renfrewshire Council)

He said: "I feel this would be useful for local residents and the community council because this junction has caused a lot of problems and, frankly, so much damage to the road over a number of years that it's well worth bringing any proposals to the local community and local elected members to allow them to speak to it."

Councillor Doig agreed and the motion passed without opposition.

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