Locals take action over proposed changes to their roads
Residents have been voicing concern over consultation efforts
Last updated 18th Sep 2023
Residents in Castle Douglas are expressing concern over ongoing consultations and proposed changes to road infrastructure within the town.
Early stage concepts from consultancy firm Stantec have proposed the addition of bike lanes to the Market Hill roundabout at the top of town, as well as a one way system for part of King Street.
Between Stantec and SWestrans – the Council’s regional transport partnership - the effort feeds into a wider active travel plan, which looks to provide better access for those choosing to walk, wheel, and cycle.
But, some are worried the new layout could have a detrimental impact on businesses, and increase congestion elsewhere.
Action is being taken
Locals say not enough voices are being heard, and have in response launched a new survey, in addition to the official Stantec consultation.
Tammi Kirk from Castle Douglas has been facilitating the locally led effort:
“They (Stantec) did an initial survey, but only got 101 responses to that, and from those responses they created the current draft of the proposal which we saw at a public consultation at the end of August.
“After that consultation at the town hall, they launched their second survey and when people started completing that it was clear there wasn’t much opportunity to give feedback – there was one comment box and that was it.
“So, we decided to create a community survey to give people the opportunity to really have their say.
“The feeling so far definitely seems to be that the public are not in favour of the majority of proposals as they stand at the moment. Stantec have stressed that they are in the proposal stage at the moment.”
It’s understood the locally led survey has recorded well over 1300 responses.
Ms Kirk is expressing thanks to the council, who are allowing the opportunity to share the survey findings, which will be considered as plans develop.
She says locals are looking for solutions rather than simply critiquing current proposals:
“The main thing is that the community are really trying to get involved with it.
"It’s not that we’re saying please don’t change anything – so we have proposed an alternative cycle route that is not down King Street and that is taking a back route which is safer and more enjoyable for cyclists."
“The whole point of the survey is just to give the community their say.”
But, Castle Douglas is not the only community raising concern over proposed road changes, and the extent of Stantec consultations.
Over in Stranraer, proposals including increased cycle lane provision, and pedestrianisation of certain areas are also in the works.
Local businessowner Rod Baxter says communication needs to be better, and that current concepts could impact smaller businesses in the heart of town.
He worries that removing parking facilities will drive more to chains with car parks:
“Next door to me is a grocer, and he reckons his business will close.
“People come in there and do a big shop, will they lug it all the way down to the seafront? He says they won’t do that, they’ll just go to your Tesco’s or your Morrisons or Lidl, where there’s a car park - especially on a wet day.”
Mr Baxter says he wants to see improved consultation:
“Consult – come and knock on doors, come and ask the people wherever is going to be affected. The people living in these streets, the businesses operating there, come and speak to us, why should we have to come to them? They’re trying to impose this on us.”
In a statement, the Council say they are aware of the local survey effort in Castle Douglas, and that they are keen to work with the community going forwards.
The full statement below was issued through Stantec, from Dumfries & Galloway Council:
"Speaking to the Castle Douglas community in August has given Dumfries and Galloway Council invaluable insight on issues, concerns, and contrasting mobility needs for local people. We know which parts of the concepts presented to the public don't work and we're addressing the comments and will be producing new concepts.
"We are aware of community efforts to collect additional comments around people’s views for the future of Castle Douglas through the Castle Douglas Mobility survey and we welcome an overview that we can incorporate in our feasibility report.
"As of Monday 11th September, around 750 responses have been collected on the project survey. The map used for consultation in August is displayed at the local library and people can write or draw directly on it before we collect it at the end of this month when the current consultation ends.
"This stage does not go any further than feasibility and concept designs. The feasibility report at the end of this commission will include design recommendations on how to meet strategic aims for active travel while ensuring roads are accessible and fair for all users in a way that works and is sustainable for the local community.
"Please be assured Dumfries and Galloway Council and Stantec are making every attempt to engage and listen to all stakeholders, community groups, local residents and members of the public in finding solutions and options to improve active travel and the safety of all road users."