A second Highfield resident has contacted the Herald with health concerns over construction dust from the Dalry bypass works.

John May claims that Transport Scotland consultants assured residents there would be no problems with air pollution.

He also accused the agency of failing to inform members of the community of extensive drilling.

The pensioner’s concerns come after 71-year-old Anthony Gorman told the Herald he had fears over the effect of dust particles left behind by workers at the bypass.

John said: “Two of the five objectors to the bypass have serious health problems and I now have a problem cough and some problems with my breathing.

“Like Mr Gorman, a number of the residents are in their 70s and my wife and I are in our mid-70s. With age you’re going to get some health problems and having this will add to it.

“I have spoken to the contractors on a number of occasions and complained both to the council’s environmental staff and to Transport Scotland and I await further replies.

“Responses so far are on the lines that some people will be inconvenienced by any major construction activity. They seem unable to differentiate between inconvenience and a danger to health.

“They’re drilling within 10 yards of our property. After the public enquiry we were told that there were about 60 holes. I don’t know how many holes they’ve drilled since then but it’s a substantial number.”

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “In delivering the A737 Dalry Bypass scheme, Transport Scotland and the contractor are committed to constructing the scheme safely.

“The contractor has now completed drilling and grouting works to abandoned mine workings and these were undertaken within the site boundary.

“Whilst some disruption is inevitable for schemes of this nature, we are committed to ensuring that the contractor works to minimise any environmental impacts, where possible.”