Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell, who has supported calls for the A708 to be upgraded for a number of years, has welcomed the news the road is to reopen this week.
However, following the closure the local MP believes it is imperative that a fully review of plans to upgrade the route is now carried out. Mr Mundell this week met face-to-face with Transport Minister Keith Brown MSP to seek assistance from the Scottish Government to help get the project off the ground.
Mr Mundell was disappointed that the Scottish Government are unable to provide financial support at this time, given the importance of the road to local tourism and the role haulage has played in its deterioration. Mr Mundell, however, welcomed Keith Brown’s offer of strategic support and expertise that Transport Scotland would make available to Dumfries and Galloway Council.
Mr Mundell has now written to Gavin Stevenson at the Council Roads Department and Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Ivor Hyslop to make them aware of this offer of support.
Commenting, the Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP said:“Whilst it is much welcomed news to local residents that this route will now reopen, there can be no clearer warning signal than this road collapse that urgent action is required. This route is vital to the local tourist industry and an important haulage road and as such its strategic importance makes the case for upgrading it all the more pressing. I fully accept that it will take considerable resources to make this project happen and although I am disappointed the Scottish Government does not see it as a funding priority, I am grateful for Keith Browns offer of strategic support and expertise.
Mr Mundell added: “We were very lucky that no one was seriously injured as a result of the collapse and despite a relatively speedy re-opening given the damage, we cannot afford to ignore the issues on this stretch of road any longer.”