Astro-turf on new roundabouts at the entrance to an East Kilbride beauty spot has sparked a debate among residents.
The A726 Greenhills/Strathaven Road underwent a multi-million pound widening project as part of the City Deal aimed at generating economic activity.
But the dualling of the road was deemed 'totally unnecessary' by local green campaigners, some councillors and residents.
And with the major infrastructure recently completed, the astro-turf is not in keeping with the nearby environment at Calderglen Country Park nor eco-friendly say residents.
Cindy Ramsay, a resident and horticulturist, said: "It's a completely ridiculous to use a whole heap of unsightly plastic to frame the entranceway to one of East Kilbride's limited areas of natural beauty, when improving the environment has never been so important.
"Aesthetically damaging, environmentally damaging and a bad example when EK should be encouraging environmentally good practices instead of installing that eyesore."
Others posted on the East Kilbride Community Litter Pickers Facebook page agreeing with Cindy.
One wrote: "I understand that maintenance on roundabouts can be tricky, but surely more effort could be put into this area, especially considering where it is? I don't understand how this could be given the go-ahead."
Another went on: "Disgusting! Why not make these roundabouts wildflower habitats to attract pollinators."
A local wrote: "Actually disgusting to be honest, in this day and age South Lanarkshire Council should be ashamed of themselves would have been a great opportunity for them to have planted wild flowers for the bees - no wonder the environment is in the state it’s in."
And another added: "They've destroyed acres of natural habitat for a road that's not needed, only to pay lip service to restoring what they've destroyed.
"Planting trees is all well and fine but they'll take years to get the point to what was there previously, and now they're are adding plastic to the situation."
Newly elected Green councillor, Kirsten Robb, told Lanarkshire Live: "People asked me to find out more about SLC putting plastic grass on some of the new roundabouts near Calderglen Park, as well as some of the other biodiversity issues associated with the new road.
"I've followed up to ask that low growing, low maintenance plants are considered into the future for roundabouts.
"That will help achieve SLC's duty to promote biodiversity. It would also be a fitting entrance to a country park and set an example of how this kind of planting can bring multiple benefits."
SLC head of roads, transportation and fleet services, Colin Park said: “As with all major projects of this scale the environmental impacts are considered and mitigations provided.
“We have replaced twice the number of semi-mature trees than were felled and are planting an additional 14,000 small plants and shrubs as well as wildflowers along the length of the project.
“Sections of the Strathaven Road roundabouts were designed to also include artificial grass made from using recycled materials.
“The design of these areas also included consideration of future maintenance activities to ensure that these can be undertaken safely with minimal disruption to road users.”
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