Right of way closed
MOVES that suspend a right-of-way are being made to prevent people straying into a death-trap abandoned quarry in Giffnock.
New fencing and warning signs costing 50,000 are going up at the Braidbar site to discourage intruders.
Anyone defying the keep-out message and caught breaking in — where access has been restricted since 1983 — risks facing legal action.
Quarry owner East Renfrewshire council has taken this unusual step. Now the local authority intends to "regularly monitor the situation and take legal action against anyone who damages fencing or warning signs, which have been erected for the public's protection".
An ERC spokeswoman appealed: "We're urging residents to work with us, respect the new fencing, keep off this ground and encourage family, friends and neighbours to do the same.
"The council wouldn't take this action and in particular closing a right-of-way if we didn't believe it was absolutely necessary".
New fences and signs were installed after specialist inspection revealed existing barriers had deteriorated because people were continuing to break through them.
The spokeswoman added: "We've recently received updated information and advice regarding the ground conditions at the quarries.
"It is now necessary to close a number of areas at the site to public access with immediate effect. This will include temporary closure of the existing right-of-way.
"Our contractors are on site erecting additional fencing, and signs to warn of the danger of ground collapse.
"Our weekly inspection regime will continue, and we will update residents on progress should the current situation change".
Ross McKemmie secretary of Giffnock community council, told The Extra: "We've generally supported the fact something needs to be done to that quarry.
"The fencing being erected is quite expensive given the current financial climate and I'm not sure how likely it will be to work.
"But the council needs to be seen to be doing something".
Mr McKemmie added: "We've only just heard about the right-of way being closed so at the moment cannot make a statement on behalf of the community council".
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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