VIRGIN Media has been reported to the Scottish Roads Commissioner because of the chaos their work caused at various streets in Ayr.

Workers had been installing broadband in the area since January but not without disruption. Residents complained they had been forced off the road, damaging their vehicles and had their water supply cut off as a result.

Pavements and roads outside properties have suffered and tyre marks have been left from Virgin’s vehicles. Commuters found it hard to exit their driveways on their way to work and say they were treated in a ‘hostile’ manner when they asked the men to move their lorries and trucks to allow them out.

The purpose of the Scottish Road Works Commissioner is to work with the road works community to oversee improvements to the planning, co-ordination and quality of road works in Scotland.

Virgin Media will also be reported to their statutory undertaker who granted the licence to carry out the work across South and parts of North Ayrshire.

The issue was addressed at a public meeting recently. 

Kevin Braidwood of the Ayrshire Roads Alliance, explained: “We have reported Virgin Media to the Scottish Roads Commissioner because of the mess they made.

“They will then take this to the statutory undertaker.”

Donald Wilson, said: “They were driving onto pavements and leaving zigzag marks behind them. They took up the full road on some occasions.”

Cllr Derek McCabe commented: “It depends what gang did your pavements.”

Kevin Braidwood tried to reassure those who attended the meeting.
He said: “The zigzags will wear down in time.”

One resident, who does not wish to be named recalled the events: “Ayr roads had reached ridiculous and unacceptable levels, courtesy of Virgin Media? 

“The scale of disruption to both pedestrians and vehicles was massive. 

“Throughout January all roads used by pupils in the Fenwickland Avenue/Peggy’s Hill area walking to school were affected, with footpaths closed and roadways narrowed to one lane creating a hazard on these dark, wet, windy mornings. 

“And it continued, with teams of 20 yellow clad road-workers in fleets of white vans ripping up roads and pavements with no apparent concern for those who use them. 

“If this were necessary work to maintain the water or electricity supply to our homes I would understand, but its purpose is to increase the profits of Virgin Media through charging customers who connect to the supply.

Locals who experienced the disruption say the group are now trying to encourage them to change their broadband provider which has not been accepted well.