Safety scares at new pump tracks

Moffat

SAFETY concerns surrounding Moffat’s new pump track have re-emerged, just days after construction was completed.

The 165 metre track at Hope Johnstone Park is a joint venture between Dumfries and Galloway Council and Moffat and District Community Council.

But this week residents have raised the alarm about the speed of wagons on the A701 and the safety of young people using the new track.

One concerned resident said: “The amount of kids over the last week or so that have been coming out of the pump track straight on to the road is scary with absolutely no regards to traffic

“There is going to be a serious accident! The lorries and vans that come up and down that road is scary and the speed they are doing is terrible. With the entrance exit to the pump track being on a bend I fear the kids won’t be seen. The pump track entrance is basically the start of a national speed limit.

“There absolutely needs to be some sort of speed bumps or cameras to resolve this.”

Similar concerns were raised back in 2024 and brought to the attention of councillors and officers before the pump track was approved. Among those who voiced their apprehension was former community councillor Jan Hughes, who said this week: “Before the pump track was given final approval, Dumfries and Galloway Council was made fully aware of serious concerns about its placement and the risks it posed to children’s safety.

“These concerns were dismissed.

“Following its construction, I and other residents raised the issue again, stressing the dangers. The only response received was that the local school had been asked to make children aware of the risks. This is clearly not enough.

“I have since written again to the council, stating that—at the

very least—signage must be installed to warn drivers that children are at play in the area. To date, I have received no reply.

“If a child is injured as a result of this poorly placed pump track, in my opinion, the responsibility will lie squarely with the council for failing to act on repeated warnings and for not conducting due diligence before approving its location.”

Dumfries and Galloway Council were contacted for comment.

Lockerbie

A REMINDER has been given that e-scooters are not allowed on Lockerbie’s new pump track. Annandale North Councillor Carolyne Wilson confirmed the rule this week after reports of a child being injured by an e-scooter at the facility in King Edward’s Park. Cllr Wilson added: “The Lockerbie Pump Track is now officially open with the correct signage installed for its safe use by all those using the facility. The signage clearly explains the safety measures that should be adhered to. “To further add, a ROSPA inspection is undertaken following the completion of a pump track which ensures that the facility meets health and safety requirements. Anyone using a Pump Track should understand the dangers associated with such a facility and as stated on the signage, users should ride within their ability and keep their bike under control.”