THERE are fears that the closure of the A77 South of Kirkoswald, to recover empty overturned vehicles, could result in further accidents in surrounding areas.

There have been many fatal accidents and other road traffic incidents on this stretch of road over the years. During the recovery process it is claimed some 4000 drivers are forced through villages.

Villagers of Barrhill, Barr, Pinwherry and Pinmore are desperate for an alternative route to be built or to close the A77 at night when the roads are quieter. 

A meeting was held last Monday, March 13 to address the issue where Transerv, Ayrshire Roads Alliance, MSPS and councillors attended. Roughly 45 members of the public  came to hear what was being said.

Our source told the Carrick Herald: "The main topic of conversation was the closure of the A77 during road accidents to recover vehicles which means heavy flows of traffic are coming through the surrounding villages during the day.

"We want to know why they can't carry out this procedure at night when there is less traffic on the roads. 4000 vehicles come through Barrhill when the A77 is closed. We need a carriageway from Maybole to Cairnryan to cope with the heavy flow of traffic.

"But we have been told there is not any money to do this. We feel that you cannot live in comfort and safety on the A714 or the A713 because of the high volume of traffic driving on them. 

"Speeding is another problem Barrhill and surrounding villages face. But we did not have enough time to discuss this at the meeting so another will be scheduled so we can discuss this issue as well.

"We have been told that the only option is to close the road but a convoy system could easily be put in place. Traffic could continue to flow even if it was only at 5mph or 10mph.

"MSP Jeanne Freeman told them to go away and think about what they can do to keep the A77 open. We feel we have finally made progress and it was a positive meeting."