A NEW Cumnock resident has raised concerns over the road conditions on the A76 trunk road between New Cumnock and Kirkconnel which he says pose a danger to drivers, particularly during periods of heavy rain.

Campaigner Rab Wilson contacted Transerv Scotland last weekend over drain blockages in New Cumnock which he says have plagued the road for years.

Although vans were quickly dispatched to clear the drains, the resident now wonders why it took a member of the public to flag up the problem for Transerv Scotland to take note.

Rab said: “These drains may have been blocked for years as there’s virtually no maintenance here. It must’ve rang real alarm bells for them because within two hours of me emailing them with photo evidence, there was a team of workers out.

“Cars were having to veer across the road onto the oncoming carriageway which could’ve been dangerous in itself. Maybe the road needs resurfaced as it can’t cope with periods of heavy rain and it’s a hazard for people who live here.

“There’s a farm, five houses at Nursery View and four other properties that all have to negotiate their way round floodwater when the weather’s bad. It’s a desperate situation.”

Rab said: “I’m very pleased Transerv Scotland seen the seriousness of this and acted so promptly but it just goes to show how dangerous it was that they acted straight away.

“You’d think they would carry out regular inspections in this road range but it would seem very apparent from the state of these drains that has not been happening.”

A Transerv Scotland Spokesperson said: “Following the issue being raised, our operating company Scotland Transerv cleared all the gullies at the site on 7 July and they are now running clear.

“Scotland Transerv will continue to monitor the site on a weekly basis, and we will review the issue that led to gullies becoming blocked.”

Jeane Freeman, MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, said: “Amey Highways will take over the £400m South West Scotland trunk road maintenance contract from August, but if anyone has any concerns with any section of the A76, please get in touch with my office.”