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'It takes ages to get places': Town's roadworks headache persists

Molly ArmstrongBBC Scotland
BBC A woman with a blue t-shirt and silver glasses stands next to a woman with a grey cap and brown t-shirtBBC
Dennie Caspari (left) and Eve Young said road closures in Dumfries meant people took alternative routes which created other problems

In one of the biggest towns in southern Scotland, road closed signs and diversions have become a very common sight.

One key route in Dumfries - the Annan Road - was closed at the end of May after a sinkhole appeared and is likely to remain shut until next month with Scottish Water working to repair a damaged sewer.

On nearby Greenbrae Loaning, emergency gas works have forced a closure too.

With a major programme of repairs and improvements also taking place in the town this summer, both businesses and residents are feeling the effects.

An image of a road. A sign states "bus stop not in use"
Buses are among other disrupted services due to the closure

In Dumfries town centre, Dennie Caspari and Eve Young said they were among those who had found themselves being delayed due to the closure.

There is concern about how long disruption will continue and also about drivers taking avoiding action and clogging up other areas.

"People take the bypass instead, but then all the tractors take the bypass too, so it takes ages to get places," said Dennie.

"I know I have that problem."

A man wearing a black t-shirt stands in front of a food preparation area. There are Scottish flags and food storage containers behind him.
Nicusor Vidu, owner of Greek takeaway Yamas Deli, said the closure meant people's deliveries could be delayed

Just off the High Street, in nearby Bank Street, Greek takeaway Yamas Deli has felt the impact of seeing so many routes shut or under traffic controls.

Owner Nicusor Vidu, known as Nick, explained that his delivery service was at risk of delays.

He said that was particularly the case for anyone living on the Annan Road or beyond.

"When we have deliveries in that area, the delivery time will take longer," he said.

"It does impact us and it's harder to deliver things on time."

A street with building works going on. A sign says "local businesses open as usual while we are working"
The Annan Road is expected to remain closed while work to repair the sewer is completed

Cafe owner Rudi Miroli previously told the BBC his takings had been more than halved by the work on the Annan Road outside his shop.

He has criticised the lack of information he has received about how long the repairs might take.

In its latest statement, Scottish Water said it had proved "technically challenging" and the road would need to stay shut throughout the work which could take until mid-July.

"We understand that the closure is causing disruption for customers and road users and we thank everyone impacted for their patience, understanding and cooperation," it said.

Scottish Gas Networks said it was aware of the closure of the nearby Annan Road but had considered "all available options" for the emergency gas main work on Greenbrae Loaning.

"However, given the urgent nature of the works and risks associated with delaying repairs, these works cannot be postponed," it added.

Dumfries and Galloway Council said some disruption was "unavoidable" during its summer improvements programme and could see increased congestion and longer journey times.

"Combined with other activity across the town, including the ongoing Annan Road closure and other major projects, this may place additional pressure on alternative routes, particularly at peak times," it added.

However, it said "every effort" would be made to reduce inconvenience while the "essential improvements" were carried out.