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Worries expressed over new homes plan

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By Fiona Reid
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Worries expressed over new homes plan

NEIGHBOURS of the former Lockerbie Academy site have joined together to air their concerns about a new 48 home development.

Cunninghame Housing Association Limited recently purchased the old academy grounds.

And they plan to build 48 homes all for rent, but are yet to apply for planning permission.

Earlier this month they held a public consultation, giving locals a chance to ask questions and share worries.

And speaking at Tuesday’s meeting of Lockerbie Community Council, chairwoman Jan Andrews said there worries aplenty.

She said: “It’s a lot of homes, 48, and there were a lot of concerns.

“The layout is just wrong. The entrance won’t be by using the roundabout that serves the school, but further down near the bowling club, that will cause a lot of parking worries and congestion.

“I know a lot of the neighbours are worried and have written to Cunninghame. I propose as a community council we write too and make our voices heard.”

And Annandale North Councillor Adam Wilson, who was also present, is encouraging people to make their issues known.

He said: “Cunninghame would be quite happy to pick up on any gripes. Nothing is set in stone and they are really keen for feedback.”

Meanwhile, following the consultation, which was slammed for being held the first week of the summer holidays, when a lot of families were on holiday, many residents from the Dryfe Road, Glasgow Road and Dryfe Grove area have banded together.

Resident Jo Edkins says a lot of neighbours have been holding meetings to share their worries.

She said: “A lot of us do not think this is the right place for nearly 50 social homes, right in the middle of a private residential area.

“We have worked hard for our homes and there are some real concerns that social housing, particularly the one bedroom flats, could impact on our lives.”

She added: “There are other worries too: can Lockerbie’s services, such as our school and GP surgery, manage the burden of all these extra residents?”

Jo and many of her neighbours have already penned individual letters to the housing association, in a bid to get them to re-think their plans, and are looking for support from local politicians to appeal the plans before they go before the council’s planning committee.

Cunninghame Housing Association Limited were approached for comment.

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