Noisy Largs manhole cover problem raised by residents

Exasperated residents in Irvine Road have alerted road maintenance company Amey to the problem.

Vehicles passing over the manhole cover results in a 'clanking' noise which is audible to the surrounding area.

The problem emerged last month following the roadworks which took place on the A760 which required the stretch of road to be closed for a temporary period.

One concerned resident told the News it has caused sleepless nights in the neighbourhood.

They said: "The manhole cover has not been refitted correctly and now makes a loud noise when vehicles drive over it.

"It wasn't like that prior to the roadworks taking place in Irvine Road last month.

"This is totally unacceptable and if not addressed will get worse and cause grief for ourselves and the surrounding neighbours.

"It is disruptive at all hours of the day, and it drives you mad."

The News understands that one local guest house owner has even lost business because of the situation.

Conservative councillor Tom Marshall has taken up the case on behalf of residents, and written to Amey about the problem.

Cllr Tom Marshall has written to Amey about manhole concerns in neighbourhood. (Image: Newsquest)

He said to the roads company: "It is very noisy as traffic passes over it. I wonder if you could arrange for the team to have a look at this  -it may need replacement."

Amey has given assurances that the manhole cover will be replaced in the forthcoming Irvine Road resurfacing works, with a date still to be confirmed for these works to be completed.

A letter from Amey to a concerned local resident stated: "The A760 work on Irvine Road had to be postponed because weather conditions were not favourable.

"However, we are re-programming the work as soon as possible, within a reasonable time to inform road users and local representatives of the new dates and to book the necessary resources.

"A temporary road surface has been put in place, which has allowed us to remove the traffic management and closures.

"As mentioned, our inspectors will visit in the meantime and try to mitigate any issues as best they can.

"Not undertaking the works before the winter period would run the risk of the carriageway surface failing and emergency works having to be undertaken, with less opportunity to maintain local access arrangements and less time to inform road users that the works were planned.

"These schemes were extensively publicised in advance, across digital and traditional media, and noted the works were weather dependent.

"We apologise again for the inconvenience, but as outlined previously we would have preferred to have undertaken this work when there was less risk from severe weather conditions. "

A spokesperson for Amey, the company that maintains the south-west trunk road network, on behalf of Transport Scotland, said: “Remaining works on the A78 Irvine Road, Largs will be completed during the rescheduled second phase of the scheme, which had to be postponed due to severe weather resulting from Storm Ashley. This work is now expected to recommence on Monday November 18.

"There are no structural issues with the iron work situated below the carriageway level, but we have asked our sub-contractor to review the temporary surfacing.

"Please note all works remain weather dependent and may need to be cancelled or rescheduled if weather conditions are not favourable.

"For more information about this scheme please visit www.swtrunkroads.scot or use our free Roadwork Alerts service.”