A75 villages safety focus
I’ve had a letter from Scottish Government Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth in response to concerns raised by constituents about accident risks on the A75 at Crocketford and Springholm.
As Courier readers may be aware, I’m keen to see both villages by-passed but realistically that will be a longer-term project requiring full co-operation between the Scottish and UK Governments.
In the meantime, the Minister tells me she has instructed the trunk road operator, Amey plc, to carry out a speed review through Crocketford and examine the effectiveness of a series of existing safety measures.
An established feature at Springholm are the vehicle-activated speed management traffic signals which turn to red for a period when the limit is exceeded.
I was interested to learn from the Minister that these signals are still at the trial and evaluation stage and would require national legislative change to permit wider use.
It is vital local residents' views are taken on board, including on the positive safety impact from the signals and any evidence of drivers ignoring the red lights?
Search on for extra dentists
I recently responded to constituents' worries over difficulties accessing dental services in parts of Dumfries and Galloway.
The problems were caused by various issues, including the pandemic impact, recruitment difficulties and some practices switching their focus towards private dentistry.
I have received a reply to a letter I wrote to the Scottish Government, which is responsible for the NHS north of the border.
Maree Todd, MSP, the Minister whose portfolio includes dentistry, explained that whilst there had been a strong recovery in parts of the country, access to dental services remained challenging for some, particularly in remoter rural areas.
She stated that additional recruitment and retention incentives had been put in place to increase opportunities for newly qualified dentists to work in areas such as Dumfries and Galloway.
The Minister added that the Scottish Government was working with the local health board to deliver expanded NHS dental services to the area.
I hope they succeed.