CUMBERNAULD stretched to breaking point

That’s the view of irate locals who are battling to stop a controversial planning application north of the M80 - after arguing that vital facilities are being stretched to breaking point. These include school places, public transport and healthcare provision in medical and dental surgeries.

If passed, the application would see the creation of a major new housing development bordering the densely populated area of Dullatur Road, Eastfield Road and Ratho Drive. The plan is at the earliest stage of a wide-ranging consultation process - and no date has yet been set for its appearance at committee.

The application was submitted by environmental consultants Ironside Farrar - in a move which just won’t wash with Westerwood Community Council. A spokesperson said: “As we know only too well the infrastructure in the area is already over capacity and cannot sustain another development of this size.’’

Members are now asking locals to bombard North Lanarkshire Council with objections - amidst claims that newcomers could not be catered for. There are also widespread fears that house prices could slump as a result.

Ironside Farrar spokesman Albert Muckley acknowledged that locals weren’t happy with regard to the amenities - but promised that they would be full involved in the consultation process.