Councillor Raises Formal Complaint Over Ongoing Trunk Road Issues on Clyde Coast

An independent councillor has lodged a formal complaint with Transport Scotland over a series of unresolved trunk road problems along the Clyde Coast.

Cllr Murdoch said he had repeatedly reassured constituents that concerns were being addressed, but many of the problems remain outstanding.

One key issue involved a pedestrian crossing near the new M&S site in Largs, where traffic lights had been out of operation since November. Transport Scotland confirmed it had looked into delays experienced by Amey in accessing the construction site to carry out repairs. The fault was traced to a damaged nearside signal head. Repairs were completed on February 10 after programming works were arranged.

Flooding outside Geraldo’s restaurant on Fort Street has also drawn complaints. Transport Scotland said agreement in principle has been secured for a new surface water drainage link to the Scottish Water combined sewer system. Discussions are ongoing regarding final approval, with the works expected to be completed in February.

Elsewhere in Largs, the council acknowledged that a section of footway outside Geraldo’s should have been included in resurfacing works carried out last October.

The area will now be incorporated into a forthcoming footpath improvement scheme between Routenburn Road and Largs North Gateway later this year, likely in early autumn subject to stakeholder consultation.

Concerns have also been raised about “No Entry” signage at the Pierhead junction.it will be assessed whether temporary signage can be repositioned to improve visibility without posing a risk to pedestrians. Permanent signage is anticipated to be installed by the end of February.

Additional resurfacing requests — including footways between Waterside Street and Aitken Street — will also be incorporated into the Routenburn Road to Largs North Gateway scheme.

In Skelmorlie, drainage investigations and trial holes are scheduled for the next financial year in the turning area and southbound carriageway. Resurfacing will follow once drainage improvements are complete.

Flooding between Glen Road and the Causeway in Fairlie is set to be addressed as part of a wider drainage programme planned for the next financial year. Meanwhile, although no resurfacing scheme is currently scheduled between the Seamill Hydro and Yerton Brae, Amey has committed to inspecting the location to determine whether works can be brought forward.

Cllr Murdoch also highlighted concerns about surface water pooling following recent resurfacing works in Gallowgate and Greenock Road, despite welcoming the initial improvements. Transport Scotland has said the areas will be monitored and remedial action taken if necessary.

Further dissatisfaction has been expressed over the condition of resurfacing between Crawford Street and Bath Street in Largs, with a fresh inspection now planned.

In its written response, Transport Scotland acknowledged that regular updates may not have been provided and said future correspondence would ensure outstanding matters are confirmed in writing. The agency also confirmed that it had responded to the complaint in line with its Stage 1 Complaints Handling Procedure.

A spokesperson for Transport Scotland said the complaint had been investigated and formally acknowledged. Representatives from Transport Scotland and Amey are due to meet Cllr Murdoch in Largs on February 13 to discuss the issues in greater detail.