This week our campaign has been covered in both the Daily Record and Lanarkshire Live, highlighting the growing concerns over the Sandford–Strathaven walking route. Parents have been clear: this is a dangerous, narrow, unlit 60mph road that cannot be deemed safe for children.

The articles noted:

⚠️ Campaigners are demanding South Lanarkshire Council release full details of their “safety survey.”

⚠️ Questions remain unanswered about when, where, and under what conditions the assessment was carried out.

⚠️ Parents say children’s safety is being traded for cost-cutting measures.

The Council has responded publicly, stating:

“No petition has been received on this matter to date. If a petition is received it will be considered in line with the council’s processes for dealing with such matters.

I can confirm that the previous assessment has been reviewed following recent enquiries, and the route has been subject to a further assessment. When the outcome of this is available it will be shared with those who have corresponded with the council, and responses to specific matters raised will also be provided.”

✅ As of today, this is no longer the case — we have formally submitted our petition with 972 signatures to the Clerk of the Public Petitions Committee at South Lanarkshire Council. This means the voices of nearly 1,000 supporters are officially lodged and must now be considered.

We note the Council’s claim that the route has been subject to a “further assessment.” However, no parents, pupils, or community representatives were invited to be involved, and no information has been provided on when this assessment took place, under what conditions, or what methodology was used. We await their response and will provide updates as soon as possible.

📑 Alongside the petition, we are also gathering community feedback through our Google survey. We are grateful for the fantastic responses so far — but if you haven’t yet contributed, please do. Every comment helps us collate evidence from residents and present a full picture to the Council. Your voice matters.

👉 Fill in the survey here: https://forms.gle/qoUucuLxMtGDLviP6

We have also notified Màiri McAllan MSP, Cllr Elise Frame, and the press of this formal petition submission.

🙏 Thank you again to everyone who has signed, shared, and supported so far — your involvement is what has brought us to this stage. Together, we will continue pressing for full transparency, accountability, and safe school transport for all Sandford pupils.

#SandfordSafety #SafeKidsNotUnsafeRoutes #TransparencyNow