A problematic elevator in Cumbernauld town centre will be out of action for months.
North Lanarkshire Council (NLC) are currently considering whether to replace or refurbish the lift to the footbridge over Central Way.
Alan Masterton SNP Councillor for Cumbernauld North, had asked NLC to evaluate the costs related to both options and has been informed that even if the lift was to be refurbished – the quickest option of the two – it would remain out of action for at least seven weeks.
The lift is used to access the footbridge which is accessed in Ettrick Way and provides access to the footbridge and shopping areas on the other side of the road has had a number of issues over the past few months.
It’s a crucial link for people with reduced mobility.
Due to health and safety concerns over the electrics and the lift doors, the local authority say that due to its current condition it is “not feasible” to re-instate the lift temporarily.
Three different lift contractors have been consulted and carried out inspections on it and the council have been advised that there are two options open, refurbishment or replacement.
For the first option, there is currently a four-week lead in for materials and it would another three weeks for the work to be carried out.
And if the lift was to be replaced the council have been informed that would take a minimum of three months.
The lift currently remains out of service but the local authority insist it has attempted to maintain and repair it.
A team from the council are currently evaluating the options in a bid to present the “most efficient and effective solution as soon as possible”.
Councillor Masterton shared information provided to him from a council officer, which added: “I can only apologise for the disruption this will cause to some of your constituents who rely on this lift to get across Central Way to the northern part of the shopping centre and we will do all we can to get it functional again as soon as possible.”
The footbridge remains accessible by stairs, and the shopping centre can also be accessed via an alternative route through an underpass for pedestrians next to Asda supermarket.
*Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
