MAJOR changes are set to be made to a busy East Renfrewshire road following the tragic death of a 21-year-old woman.

East Renfrewshire Council has announced it is exploring “possible amendments” to the junction of Woodvale Avenue and Ayr Road, in Giffnock, in order to make the area safer for drivers and pedestrians.

Astrid Yeates died after being struck by a car at the junction in January this year.

The tragedy led to immediate calls for safety improvements and, following a meeting last week between residents and the council’s roads team, the local authority is now set to take action.

Although the council did not specify what changes are being looked at when approached by the Barrhead News, it is understood there are plans to widen the central reservation on Ayr Road.

A council spokesman said: “The safety of our residents is our number one priority and we take road safety extremely seriously.

“We are actively exploring possible amendments to the junction of Woodvale Avenue and Ayr Road and will continue to work with residents to achieve the best possible solution.”
Among those who have called for improvements at the junction is East Renfrewshire MP Paul Masterton.

And while he said he is pleased to hear the central reservation may be widened, he insists the speed limit should be reduced from 40mph to 30mph.

The Tory politician added: “Residents of Woodvale Avenue have been raising concerns about safety at the junction with Ayr Road for some time now and it’s tragic that it has taken the death of a young woman for action to be taken.

“The council’s initial proposals to widen the central reservation are a good start but it was clear at the meeting with residents they don’t feel the plans are sufficient, particularly for children crossing Ayr Road to go to school.

“I’m grateful to the council for agreeing to consider feedback from the meeting but it’s clear to me that any change to the road layout must go hand-in-hand with reducing the speed limit to 30mph.

“There’s simply no justification for the section of Ayr Road approaching the Eastwood Toll roundabout to remain at 40mph and, if we are serious about reducing the risk of another tragedy, lowering the limit is a must.”

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