MSP calls for commitment to Cathkin By-Pass Extension project

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 20th May 2005

Glasgow Liberal Democrat MSP Robert Brown has called for a commitment to start the Cathkin By-Pass extension project.

Robert Brown said:

"South Lanarkshire Council are committed to the Cathkin By-Pass in principle but are unable to put their money where their mouth is. This road has been planned for 30 years or more to join the existing dual carriageway from the Whirlies roundabout at East Kilbride to Rutherglen with the end of the existing dual carriageway on Mill Street which continues past Shawfield into the city centre. Unfortunately it has always fallen out in favour of other allegedly more urgent priorities.

"I strongly believe that the road would give considerable relief to many of the residential cross-roads in the Rutherglen and Burnside area. At a predicted cost of £14.25M this is not a cheap operation but the benefits would more than outweigh the price for local residents and commuters alike. Not only will the road help to clear congestion and pollution in the area, it will also help tackle the issue of parking.

"With the ongoing developments surrounding the M74 this is an ideal time to embark on such a project. The Road Service's annual capital budget is around £8M so the Scottish Executive needs to offer a considerable degree of financial support. The people of Rutherglen and Burnside have been waiting long enough."

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