TARBERT residents are demanding that resurfacing work on sections of the A83 between Ardrishaig and Tarbert are carried out as a ‘matter of urgency.’
Ian Macintyre, vice chairman of Tarbert and Skipness Community Council, blasted officials at Transport Scotland who were recently reported as saying that the road condition was acceptable, but that ‘drivers’ were not driving appropriately.
Mr Macintyre said this week: ‘The community council has again written to the Transport Minister, Stewart Stevenson, and also asked that a scheme for the upgrade of the Meallmhor to Erines section of the road be drafted and funded at an early date. In addition a request was made for a copy of the most recent safety report on the Tarbert to Ardrishaig stretch of the A83 – but it has not been forthcoming.’
In recent months, two cyclists have been taken to hospital after coming off their bikes due to potholes on Tarbert’s roads.
The Barmore Road/Campbeltown Road junction in the village was scheduled to be resurfaced in October 2007.
Mr Macintyre added: ‘Nine months, two accidents and several reminders later, the work has still not been started.
‘Undoubtedly the A83 Mid Argyll and Kintyre lifeline road has suffered from many years of under investment, verging on neglect. The road conditions add to business costs and are a discouragement to tourists. No alternative route is available to traffic heading for Kintyre. The community council will continue to press for the improvements which are considered necessary.’
In an email from John Malcolm of Transerve Scotland to Mr Macintyre in May this year, Mr Malcolm said he was under the impression that the resurfacing work had been carried out, and would look into the situation.
