Residents and businesses in small communities in rural Stirling have once again been left stranded due to snow and ice along the only route in or out.
Locals and businesses in Inversnaid and Stronachlachar say they have been regularly
cut off over the last few weeks after treacherous road conditions left them marooned by ice and snow.
Those living in the two communities say that the only route in or out – the B829 – is not treated by gritters or ploughs during wintry weather and often becomes too treacherous to travel along.
This week, one community councillor says that he had travel along the stretch whilst it was covered in black ice, leaving him “in fear” for his life.
Trevor Geraghty, of Strathard Community Council, says he had to travel along the B829 on Wednesday evening, describing driving conditions as “horrific”.
Mr Geraghty said: “It was the worst black ice I’ve seen on the section from Kinlochard to Inversnaid – virtually
un-driveable.
“I was in fear for my life driving last night, and that is in a four wheel drive car.”
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By Wednesday morning, the ice had began to melt, providing safer driving conditions.
Last month, we told how locals and businesses in the two communities said they were essentially cut-off after treacherous road conditions meant that there was no way in or out for four days.
Those living there say that the route between Aberfoyle and both communities regularly becomes covered with snow and ice during freezing weather.
And they have been left frustrated that Stirling Council ploughs and gritters only treat the route as far as Kinlochard – meaning those trying to travel beyond there to Inversnaid and Stronachlachar are faced with dangerous slippy driving conditions.
A spokesperson for Stirling Council this week told the Observer: “This stretch of the B829 has been treated by our Roads Teams for icy conditions six times in the last month.
“This was done in accordance with Stirling Council’s Winter Service Policy, which is reviewed on an annual basis and approved by elected members.”
The section of the B829 has been assessed as a priority 2 route under the council’s current Winter Service Policy.
Last month, the council said it acknowledged the disruption that the weather conditions caused, adding: “Our gritting teams faced hugely challenging conditions, even on top priority routes, and the conditions on this particular road became a safety risk for our staff.”
Council staff later returned to the route where it was then made passable and they thanked residents and businesses for their understanding.
