Striking new Dumbarton bollards split opinion as cost is revealed

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Striking new bollards at Dumbarton Central station have caused a stir with residents.A total of 40 granite spheres were installed in Station Road in the town, with a Freedom of Information request from the Lennox Herald revealing that each bollard cost £677.23.That means the total installation has cost £27,089 – with the money coming from the UK Government’s Levelling-up fund, and ringfenced for improvements to active travel infrastructure in the area.In 2021 WDC was awarded £19.9million from the Levelling-up fund, which will see the historic Glencairn House transformed into a library and museum, and the crumbling Artizan Centre redeveloped.Active travel improvements are also on the list, aiming to better connect Dumbarton town centre with Dumbarton Central station.

Around £3.25m is set to be dedicated to widening pavements and cycleways – making the area more friendly for active travellers.However, local opinion is split on the first major installation – and one town councillor admits he still hasn’t made his mind up on the granite spheres.Labour member David McBride told the Lennox: “I hadn’t seen these traffic bollards in the drawings of the plans when they were shown to me when the plans were being drawn up.“I am therefore still a bit undecided on the visual impact, however as traffic bollards go they certainly serve their purpose and are definitely a talking point!”On social media locals were quick to share their opinions, with Gillian Bell saying: “I’m honestly dumbfounded.

There’s no money for valuable services and cuts everywhere, but we have money for this eyesore. Why?”SNP Dumbarton member Councillor Karen Murray Conaghan said she wasn’t a fan.She told the Lennox: “The bollards, the new paving and layout on