Pump track needs maintenance already

PLEAS for continued and regular maintenance of Moffat’s new pump track were heard on Tuesday night. A member of the public raised the question of the track’s upkeep at the monthly meeting of Moffat and District Community Council (MDCC), stating that weeds have already grown within the track making it look ‘very unsightly’. Furthermore, warnings were given that if left unkept, it will ‘end up like the skate park and will have to be removed’. In response, MDCC chair Liam O’Neill stated the responsibility of maintaining the pump track lies with Dumfries and Galloway Council, but he said the community council would raise the issue with officers. Attention then turned to safety concerns with young people entering and exiting the track at Hope Johnstone Park on to the nearby A701. Mr O’Neill added: “The other side of it is that we’ve had complaints about road safety with children entering and exiting from the pump track on to the A701, it is a dangerous situation, and we’ve raised this issue with the council. “By the end of the this year the 20 mile per hour restrictions should be introduced in Moffat and it will extend to beyond the pump track.” A council spokesperson previously stated: “Temporary signage has been installed on Edinburgh Road, and permanent signs warning of children playing are being arranged. “We’re repositioning the gate and adding fencing to prevent pedestrian and cyclist access at the current vehicular entrance. These works are being prioritised.”