Angry at this area's sad decine

Apr 24 2008

I want to put in writing my very strong complaints about Murray Drive in Stonehouse.

Considering this was to be the flagship of the ‘new town’ of Stonehouse before it was put to rest by the so-called politicians of that era, it is a disgrace that it has been left to disintegrate into another slum.

I am talking about the state of the council housing in the estate and the lack of improvements required to the outside of the buildings and landscaping of the area. They need repairs to roughcasting and painting; they need warnings to maintain the gardens. This, by the way, can apply to owners too.

The roads are a disgrace and as always the major complaint is the lack of parking facilities. I spoke with a member of the local council last year and he wholeheartedly agreed with me on all counts, but nothing has been done about anything. But of course there is no pending election!

The residents of Camnethan Street’s private houses use the main road to Murray Drive for access to their property, and cut up the ground with heavy trucks and do nothing to repair the damage. The area at the west side of the housing is used as a dumping area for a lot of refuse and garden waste, so too the south area.

I have to look out on this and as I use the free uplift programme, it is unfair. The large lorry which was the cause for complaint in my first telephone conversation is still parked in the lay-by on the main road.

It is a shame because this was a beautiful area and quite sought-after, but now I don’t think anyone would think about buying a house here. Also because of the state of the area, properties are depreciating in value, even though the inside of the houses are being brought up to standard by owners and residents.

I would be pleased to see some improvements and a general tidying-up of the area. After all, we are council tax payers as well as those in Camnethan Street who have had money spent over and over again on improvements without much success.

I noticed that even with new parking areas in their own gardens they still park on the street.

Name and address supplied.