RESIDENTS claim they will left trapped in their homes as hundreds of major roads are closed for the upcoming European Championship Games.
Parts of Kirkintilloch Road, Torrance Road and Springburn Road in East Dunbartonshire are among almost 100 road closures which will hit the city on August 8 for the men and women cycling trial – leaving residents clueless as to how they’ll enter or exit the area.
Some roads will have parking restrictions in place as early as August 6.
The upheaval has left residents fearing for the safety of elderly family members and worried they’ll be forced to book hotel accommodation to arrive at work on time.
One resident said: “The main road I stay on is closed from midnight the night before and with no buses running I have no way of getting to my work.”
While another added: “They are shutting our road on the Wednesday, we got notification which said that if you had to make a critical journey to phone them.
“So I did and they were worse than useless. No help at all. Told them that I had to be at work for 6.30am making and public transport wasn’t an option at that time and was basically told tough.”
The area’s MSP Rona Mackay said she was also concerned about the impact on local businesses, with the likes of Bishopbriggs town centre, which includes Springfield Medical Practice and a supermarket, almost entirely inaccessible unless on foot.
She told the Evening Times: “It’s disappointment that the public weren’t consulted beforehand.
“It’s clear it’s going to cause a lot of disruption to people and small businesses are really going to be effected which I’m not sure anyone considered.
“On the plus side, East Dunbartonshire is going to be shown on the world stage and it’s good for the sport but I’m not sure if the balance of that outweighs disruption.”
Maurice Golden MSP agreed: “Unfortunately, due consideration has not been given to allow residents to get on with their daily lives.
“This is a shocking state of affairs.
“I am urging the organisers to reconsider plans in order to minimise disruption as well as look into reimbursement schemes where required.”
First Bus is working to minimise disruption but due to bus lane closures advice is to travel by train.
Emergency services access will remain as normal with a spokesman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde insisting it is working with organisers to ensure access is maintained.
A games spokeswoman said: “Most closures will be in place from 2am on Wednesday, August 8, and all roads will be fully re-opened no later than 9pm.
“Glasgow 2018 has been engaging with residents and businesses throughout East Dunbartonshire since March 2018, including a series of drop-in sessions in affected areas.
“Alternative routes will be available, however people are encouraged to plan ahead and consider their travel options.”
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