As the nights close in and temperatures begin to drop I am receiving many phone calls and messages from concerned constituents about our local pavements and roads across the Kintyre and Islands ward.

A combination of poor overall maintenance and icy surfaces are making our pavements and roads in some areas almost impassible, with elderly residents suffering the most. It goes without saying that wheelchairs and mobility scooters are not designed to cross rugged and ice covered terrain. Yet I have heard from constituents that they are being forced to travel on roads while avoiding some of our pavements. This is unacceptable and must not be allowed to continue. Our roads and pavement networks must be made safe for the young and elderly alike.

While budgets are tight and progress has been made with both an overall increase in roads and winter maintenance spending it's clear that much more needs to be done.

Cllr Alastair Redman