Tenants object to plans for convience store in Strutherhill

Nov 26 2009 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

Applicant John Colhoun has lodged fresh proposals to build a shop and two retail units, a hair salon and a hot food takeaway in Craigbank Road.

But neighbours say the proposals will cause traffic congestion in the busy area and want the shops built in Patchy Park.

The Advertiser last month reported that Mr Colhoun had lodged plans with South Lanarkshire Council to build a grocery store and two retail units on vacant land in Craigbank Road, near its junction with Robert Smillie Crescent.

But it is understood that the council said that the location wasn’t suitable as it was too near a new children’s play area in Strutherhill.

Now Mr Colhoun has submitted the new plans to the council.

Bob Murray, chairman of Strutherhill Tenants and Residents Association, said: “They are locating the shops next to the electricity station in Craigbank Road.

“But Craigbank Road is not suitable for traffic and parking, especially if they are building more houses there. Craigbank Road is a main thoroughfare and has a lot of traffic at the moment.

“The shops are only going to cause major congestion in the area. People are worried about the increase in traffic.

“Some people have driveways in Craigbank Road whereas others have to park on the roadway.

“It would make more sense to build the new shops in Patchy Park, where there have been shops for 60 years.”

A South Lanarkshire Council spokeswoman said: “The Planning Service are currently assessing the application in question and any representations made will be fully considered as part of this process. Three letters of representation have been received.”

Last month the Advertiser reported how tenants’ leaders claimed they had felt ‘betrayed’ by the council over the closure of the convenience store in Patchy Park.

Tenants were furious that they could be left without a convenience store for two years while the new shops are built.

The council plan to demolish rundown shops in Patchy Park as part of a £15m regeneration of the area.