| People living in and around Craigmount Road, Avenue and Terrace claim they are living “in a prison” with road closures causing them problems. It is understood that, last night, angry residents even went as far as to tear down a fence barring their route to shops.
“I stay at Craigmount Road and there are a lot of spaces where houses have been demolished and are being redeveloped by Margaret Blackwood Housing Association,” Tony Belford said. “They’ve now got started on the work and Muirfield Contracts fenced off the vacant areas last week.
“Last night fencing went up and even pedestrians couldn’t get through from the east side of Craigmount Road across to the shops.”
The bizarre situation was highlighted this morning when a Muirfield Contracts digger driver tried to make his way along Craigmount Road on to Craigmount Avenue, only to find he couldn’t. It appears he hadn’t been informed of this road closure either.
Muirfield Contracts wrote to residents stating, “We have had discussions with the roads department and got their permission to close Craigmount Terrace and Craigmount Avenue for 52 weeks, commencing yesterday.”
The letter apologises in advance for the incon- venience caused by the works.
It continues, “During our discussion with the council they have suggested using Craigmount Road or Buttars Loan for parking.”
However, residents claim no notification was given that Craigmount Road was to also be closed, meaning some residents were effectively blocked in, unable to get cars out of driveways.
Mr Belford said one neighbour who lives on Craigmount Road and who uses his car for work can’t get his vehicle in and out of his driveway as a result of the disruption. For the duration of the works, it seems he will have to park elsewhere.
He said he planned to contact Dundee West MSP Joe Fitzpatrick regarding the situation.
One couple, who did not wish to be named, and who live in the cul-de-sac at Craigmount Terrace are not able to use their disabled space and are having to park in Buttars Loan.
The man said, “It’s like we’re in a prison.”
Although pedestrian access was being granted across Craigmount Road this morning, one resident, Jim Tallett, said he had spoken with Muirfield Contracts and had been informed this was only temporary.
“We’re going to have to resign ourselves to it — it appears to have been overlooked in the planning.
The local authority authorises road closures, but Mr Tallett complained, “The council has not spoken to any of us.”
A council spokesman said, “We are aware of the problems.
“We are investigating and will take appropriate action.”
Muirfield Contracts were approached for comment but had not done so by press time. |
