North Ayrshire hamlet residents in HGV worries

Residents of a hamlet in North Ayrshire have raised concerns that their narrow rural road could soon carry up to 10,000 heavy goods vehicles every year.

Barkip, near Beith, has been identified as the only viable alternative route for traffic serving a nearby biogas plant after a bridge on the existing access road was deemed unsafe for larger vehicles.

Residents say they were not properly informed about the changes and fear for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders using the road.

North Ayrshire Council says passing places and additional road markings are being introduced to improve safety as a meeting with residents and relevant stakeholders to discuss the proposals is being arranged.