STONEYBURN RESIDENTS FACE WEEKS OF DISRUPTION

STONEYBURN RESIDENTS FACE WEEKS OF DISRUPTION

Angela Constance, MSP for Almond Valley, has expressed her concerns about the impact of a 15 week road closure in Stoneyburn. The B7015 Main Street, Stoneyburn will be closed to enable essential works to upgrade the gas network by SGN (Scottish Gas Network). Residents were notified just days before Christmas that the road would be closed between 6th January and 17th April 2020.

The local MSP immediately contacted the local authority and SGN before Christmas to support Stoneyburn Community Council who requested a direct and extended taxi service to the GP services, to ask why this work was now necessary during the winter months and why residents were not notified earlier.

 In a written response SGN advised Ms Constance SGN that they are investing £730,000 to replace old gas mains with a new pipe to ensure a safe and reliable gas supply. SGN will also split the works into phases to try an minimise disruption as much as possible and have introduced an increased taxi service.

Angela Constance MSP will continue to support residents who are experiencing ongoing difficulties and said

“While it’s important that the gas mains is upgraded the lack of notice is regrettable and this lengthy road closure will inevitably disrupt daily life. A number of residents have contacted me because they are worried about quick access for emergency services and the prospect of longer journeys to health services particularly for pregnant women and the frail elderly. I am pleased to hear that SGN have at the request of the local community council agreed to improve alternative transport arrangements. The availability of the taxi service already available between the hours of 7.00 am and 7.00 pm will now be extended outwith those hours for those constituents in need.   It’s imperative that ongoing concerns are addressed by the contractors SGN and West Lothian Council. I will continue to make representations to support constituents experiencing difficulties.”

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