Thank you to everyone who joined us for yesterday’s early-morning walkthrough of the Sandford–Strathaven “safe walking route”. Your presence, your voices, and your lived experiences made this a powerful and important moment for our community.

We were joined by:

Màiri McAllan MSP
Brian Whittle MSP
Cllr Elise Frame
Cllr Ross Clark
Alice Faulkner - Clyde 1 News

Their support sends a clear message: the concerns of Sandford residents are real, valid, and cannot be ignored any longer.

What the walkthrough showed

In real conditions, cold, dark, wet, and extremely busy with fast-moving traffic, it was immediately obvious that this route is nowhere near suitable for children.

We highlighted:

Narrow, broken, uneven path surfaces
No lighting
No barriers
Blind bends
HGVs and high-speed traffic
Winter hazards that have already appeared
No public transport alternative
Children arriving home in darkness, with more after-school activities still to come

Every representative present acknowledged the seriousness of the situation.

Where things stand with the Council

South Lanarkshire Council did not attend, despite being invited multiple times.

They continue to state the matter is “concluded.”

The community, MSPs, councillors and media now strongly disagree.

Next steps

MSPs and councillors will raise this further at council and parliamentary levels

Clyde 1’s coverage is helping amplify the issue
The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) complaint is officially lodged
Our evidence base continues to grow

This is a huge step forward — driven by local people standing together for the safety of our children.

Please continue sharing the petition

Every signature strengthens our position and shows the scale of public concern.

🔗 Petition link: https://www.change.org/SandfordSafety

Thank you all again — we are making real progress, and we will keep pushing until this is resolved. 💙🚸