CONGESTION and road damage thought to be caused by heavy vehicles at a planned wind turbine development in Dalry continue to cause problems for residents.

The Herald reported a few weeks ago that people living near the site at Dove Hill were concerned about 45 tonne lorries using single-track roads and a weak bridge, which is unable to sustain their weight.

Mick Mcgurran, who lives beside the site and spoke to the Herald on behalf of the residents, has since taken these pictures highlighting the continued congestion and damage apparently caused by the heavy vehicles.

He said: “The involvement of Police Scotland’s traffic section has stopped the lorries crossing the 7.5 tonne bridge.

“They are however still crossing the damaged Blairmill Bridge in contravention of their planning conditions that states ‘All construction traffic has to use the same route’, which means no construction vehicles would have gone near either of the bridges.

“We are still getting eight-wheelers in convoy, which is a problem as there are no passing places on the last public road that they are using, which means there is nowhere to go other than someone going backwards.

“Thankfully most of the tipper traffic seems to have ceased. At the moment the problem is now concrete lorries, who at times are arriving quicker than the tippers were, to the extent that a lady who stays nearby decided that it was safer to stay indoors than to go out amongst them.”

Responding to Mr Mcgurran’s complaints that the heavy lorries continue to use the weak bridge, a spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council said: “All deliveries to this site are required by planning condition to be made from the east, meaning that deliveries should not be made by vehicles travelling over the Blairmill Bridge.

“We are aware of allegations that, despite this condition, deliveries have been made over this bridge.

“We have contacted the developer and advised the requirements of the planning condition. The developer has provided assurances that the requirements will be met.

“Furthermore, delivery companies have also been advised how they must approach the site and signage has been erected to reinforce this instruction.

“If we receive any evidence of breaches of the condition formal enforcement action may be considered.”

The spokesperson added: “The condition of the road will be monitored and any necessary repairs will be carried out.

“Appropriate action will be pursued with the developer to address any extraordinary damage caused by vehicles making deliveries to the development.”