Community efforts to improve road safety measures in Plean after a series of dangerous incidents have been backed by local politicians.
The introduction of traffic- calming and proposals to reduce speeding through the Old Plean area have been called for by residents and businesses left fearful over the conditions faced by pedestrians when attempting to cross the busy roads through the village.
The frequency of heavy goods vehicles using that route, as well as the possibility of future housing developments have only heightened existing concerns - and have prompted a campaign from Bannockburn councillor Brian Hambly to improve safety.
The plans drawn up to improve the situation include the introduction of a pedestrian crossing and the possible expansion of the 20mph zone which exists elsewhere in the village.
Councillor Hambly said: “Local residents and businesses in Old Plean have been concerned for a number of years about speeding and traffic-calming measures – as well as heavy goods vehicles thundering through the village.
“I want to ensure the whole of Plean is a safe place for families and visitors to walk and move around in.
“I’m keen to see the proposed pedestrian crossing implemented, and will support the action group when they present their petition to council on November 10 regarding further speed controls. We have to make sure our streets and roads are fit for the future, particularly with proposed developments.”
The fresh warnings come after a pair of incidents reported by the Observer last year on the roads around Plean.
A 21-year-old motorcyclist from Fallin, Liam Lacon, died in hospital following a crash he had on his bike with another vehicle on June 5 at the crossroads of Roman Road and Cadgers Loan.
Before that, in January last year, exasperated West Plean resident Sandy Imrie warned of the potentially serious consequences after a car hit the wall near his home for the fourth time in four years.
Mr Imrie backed calls for a speed limit to be introduced, warning: “There is a real issue of cars driving too fast on this road – and this latest collison with the wall shows that.
“The road wasn’t designed for the amount of traffic that now uses it. Drivers come from the Bannockburn direction to go to Forth Valley Royal Hospital thinking it is a shortcut when it isn’t.”
Stirling MP Alyn Smith met local campaigners alongside Councillor Hambly recently and has now written to Stirling Council to back the proposed safety plans.
Mr Smith added: “I’m fully behind Brian’s campaign for improved road safety in Old Plean.
“Residents want to walk safely, and we all want to minimise any disruption from nearby traffic. With one eye cast to the future, it’s extremely important that Stirling Council delivers a community road design which can keep people safe, traffic moving smoothly and can cope with future demand.
“I’ll remain in close contact with Councillor Hambly and others to make sure Old Plean’s concerns are taken seriously and addressed appropriately.”
