CONCERNS have been raised about the environmental impact of the Aurs Road project.
A local resident claims East Renfrewshire Council (ERC) has “ignored the impact on bats, wildlife and the environment” of the £22.68 million transformation of the stretch between Barrhead and Newton Mearns.
As such they are keen for ERC to reveal “any environmental impact or other site investigations” undertaken before work started in January, a call backed by Green MSP Ross Greer.
The Newton Mearns resident, who asked not to be named, told the Barrhead News: “They are adding unnecessary road lighting to this minor B road which has never previously had any form of lighting.
“I believe they have failed to consider the impact the lighting will have on the local wildlife which includes bats.”
The resident also raised concerns that the “dark skies in this area will disappear due to the road lighting.”
“This is the wanton destruction of an amazing facility about which ERC seem to have no knowledge, understanding nor care about its destruction,” they added.
“Prior to the building of the M77 this area was overrun with wildlife.
“I would single out rabbits which were everywhere.
"Since the motorway opened, I have not seen a single rabbit, not one.
“We do of course have other wildlife which I fear, will be at best, be driven elsewhere because of this unnecessary road and more importantly completely unwarranted plans for lighting.”
The project will see the stretch changed from a single carriage to a safer straighter road with a new active travel route and waterside promenade overlooking Balgray Reservoir.
In light of the concerns raised about the environmental impact, Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer said he has contacted ERC.
“While active travel improvements are certainly welcome, the council has to make sure that the changes protect local wildlife habitats wherever possible,” said the West Scotland politician.
“Light pollution is a real issue for local wildlife, and developments ought to avoid it where possible.
“I have written to ERC to ask them to publish the environmental impact assessment and bat survey for the Aurs Road project.
“If these have not been done, the council needs to explain why these have not been carried out where there is clear risk of disruption to the local bat population.”
The Barrhead News asked ERC to explain what site investigations/environmental impact studies were carried out in relation to the project and what organisations were consulted in relation to this.
A spokesperson said that the Aurs Road improvement project “has been included in the council’s Local Development Plan since 2015 and that plan was produced after extensive stakeholder engagement and wider consultation to set out a long-term strategy for sustainable economic growth.”
“All appropriate processes and procedures have been followed with regards to this project and all necessary consents are in place,” they added.
“The planned improvements will transform the road from a winding, single carriageway to a safer, straighter road with a new active travel route and waterside promenade."
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