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1000 sign up online to have Dollar Bends redesigned

Iain Robertson • Published 3 Feb 2010 12:58 Mobiles Print Comments 12 Comments

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A FORMER Alva Academy pupil's campaign to have the dangerous Dollar Bends redesigned has been backed by over 1000 people, including local politicians.

Eighteen-year-old Scott Baxter was left shocked when friend Grant Dowie, from Dollar, was fatally injured in a car collision on the infamous stretch of the A91.

And the impact of that loss moved Scott to set up a petition and Facebook group supporting changes to a section of road that has been the scene of a number of fatal accidents in recent years.

He told the Advertiser, "I went to school with Grant Dowie - it was shocking for me as I knew him well."

Scott said that since that tragedy his mum won't drive between Tillicoultry and Dollar after 8pm, and there are others who have told him they feel the same way. He hopes the petition can change that.

Scott said, "There has been a really good response to the petition. It's only been up for a few days, but hundreds are signing up.

"I want to raise awareness of the situation. I'm not asking for a complete redesign but I want to get the most dangerous bends straightened."

His campaign is being backed by Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Liz Smith.

She said, "Both I and our Ochil and South Perthshire, Westminster Conservative Candidate, Gerald Michaluk, will sign the petition and this will also be supported by the Clackmannanshire Conservatives."

The Holyrood politician recently wrote to Clackmannanshire Council to ask if it was possible to have a further road review carried out on the Dollar Bends.

She added, "In particular, I wanted to investigate the possibility of better signage at the most dangerous spots and also a review of lane markings.

"I am delighted the council has agreed to this and I'm also pleased to lend my full support to the public petition campaign."

Councillor Eddie Carrick, Sustainability Portfolio Holder, said, "The council has recently surveyed signs and lining on the A91 between Tillicoultry and Dollar and is currently assessing what amendments can be made to these to improve road safety.

"These improvements will be made within the next few months.

"Longer term plans to upgrade sections of the A91 east of Tillicoultry are in the council's plans for the future."

Scott is delighted people realise the danger this road poses and said he would like to see improved lighting, as well as fencing put up to stop deer running on to the road.

The Glasgow Caledonian University student says too many drivers are taking too many risks on this road, and believes this has to be stopped if future tragedies are to be avoided.

Westminster Conservative candidate Gerald Michaluk agreed, adding, "I am delighted to support this petition.

"There are more accidents and fatalities on Scotland's rural roads than there are on the main trunk roads and in towns and cities and that can sometimes be the result of drivers being unaware of the hidden dangers on rural routes.

"For a few, irresponsible drivers this type of road often means the opportunity to risk driving at speed and without due care because they think it is less likely they will be picked up by police patrols.

"This makes rural routes doubly dangerous so it is very good to see a public petition being well supported."

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