New footpath signage installed to help people better get around parts of West Lothian have been described as a “shambles” after it was claimed that some were pointing people in the wrong direction.
The signs in northern Livingston were installed last September as part of a Holyrood funded contract to highlight travelling times for cyclists and walkers.
And now many are having to be amended, after the council admitted there were “issues” with some signs.
Stephen Egan, chair of Eliburn Community Council, criticised council for not properly engaging with the local communities, and said “this is a shambles”.
He raised the problems with a recent meeting of the Livingston North Local Area Committee, telling the committee: “The new footpath signs point totally in the wrong direction in many instances. It’s been reported but nobody’s done anything about it.
“Why didn’t they contact local community councils and local people who know the paths?”
The council said it was aware of ‘minor issues’ with the signs and said they were working with the contractor responsible to ensure the errors were corrected.
Mr Egan highlighted some of the inaccuracies to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. In one sign on the north side of Eliburn South, the direction arrow for Livingston North station is pointing towards the Tony Macaroni Arena - the opposite direction. Other signs also have the wrong directions and misleading travelling times.
Mr Egan said: “I met with a Council Officer who explained that the signs were erected as part of Scottish Government funding and accepts that there are errors. He advised that the incorrect signs will be taken down for rectification.
“He further accepted that the signs are better aimed at cyclists that pedestrians, which is poor. The signs are currently covering the paths between Livingston South and Carmondean Centre, the paths to the North and South of the Edinburgh to Bathgate line and the Nellburn Path from Eliburn Park to the A89 at Dechmont.
Mr Egan said: “To be honest this is a shambles which could have been avoided if those responsible reached out to the local communities and consulted.”
A West Lothian Council spokesperson said: “The council is aware of issues raised and officers are reviewing the information displayed on the signage to ensure that any errors are identified and rectified. The council is working closely with the appointed external contractor and any incorrect signage will be removed and amended prior to re-erection.”
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