Councillor happy Skelmorlie roadworks are ahead of schedule

Longhill has been closed between the A78 and the junction with Eglinton Gardens and Station Road for street lighting and carriageway resurfacing.

That closure took effect on Monday, July 15 and is due to last until Friday, August 19.

As recently reported, there was confusion over roadworks signs about the duration of the works, but Mr Murdoch has now received an explanation, and his fervent hope is that the necessary roadworks improvements and light standards can be provided.

The reason for the works taking place just now was in order to avoid a clash with school time and hence why it is taking place during the holiday period.

Longhill was closed on July 15 to allow the work to begin.

Cllr Murdoch says he has fought long and hard to get the road improvements in Skelmorlie (Image: North Ayrshire Council)

Councillor Murdoch said the reason Longhill had to be closed is because of the road layout and scope of work involved. They needed to provide a safe working environment for operatives and remove any hazard from road users.

The focus is currently on street lighting and the work is approximately one and a half weeks ahead of schedule, with operatives completing around 90 per cent of cable tracks. After that, works can begin on drainage and resurfacing, before the removal of the redundant lighting system.

Addressing confusion over signs saying that the works weren't to begin until July 29, the council explained in a message to Mr Murdoch: "This was installed by the contractor prior to agreement of a multi service and collaborative approach and should have been removed/replaced.

"The onsite contractor was notified on Monday July 15 and arranged for the sign to be removed from site. I trust the above answers any questions you may have had."

Cllr Murdoch said: "I have worked very hard over the last seven years to try and help the roads to be resurfaced across my ward, and I have had onsite meetings with North Ayrshire Council and pointed out the serious issues which need addressing in the roads in Skelmorlie.

"I am absolutely delighted we are now getting somewhere and a lot of the work at the current time involves installing new street lights in Longhill and that requires new cabling and lamposts. We need to wait until that is finished until the road resurfacing starts.

"It makes sense to get all the works done at once, but I do think that it all could have been communicated a bit better. But once all the resurfacing is done that will be a game changer for Skelmorlie, as we have been waiting for that for a long time.

"I have already had an apology over the way Longhill was closed earlier than expected and it should have been communicated to the public. I am just glad it is being done and the sooner that it gets done and we no longer needs diversions, the better."