Progress with a bid to bring traffic relief to the Galloway villages of Springholm and Crocketford has been welcomed by local MP Alister Jack.
He has long contended the diversion of A75 vehicles from the centre of the two neighbouring communities, west of Dumfries, should be a clear priority in any improvement programme on the busy Gretna - Stranraer route.
Mr Jack described confirmation that up to £8million from the UK Government would be invested to identify options to realign the trunk road, including around the villages, as ‘a major step forward.’
He was commenting following a statement in the House of Commons yesterday (Thursday) by UK Transport Secretary Mark Harper, who thanked the Scottish Government for working collaboratively to improve transport connectivity.
The money is being provided to the devolved administration to identify the most effective targeted A75 improvements and a Springholm and Crocketford by-pass has been assessed as a preferred option.
Mr Jack said: “This is a major step forward towards by-passing these villages, which I know will be appreciated by many of my constituents, both local residents and regular road users.
“It will also be welcomed, I feel sure, by hauliers and ferry operators using Cairnryan who will be delighted to see UK Government funding being used by Transport Scotland to identify the most effective potential improvements.”
The local MP, who is also Scottish Secretary, added: "We look forward to continuing to work with the Scottish Government on this ambitious package of proposals to link up the UK much more effectively — boosting our economy, creating jobs and levelling up opportunities around the country."