The narrow, troublesome and high-risk path on Bathgate’s Whitburn Road, just outside the Primary Care Centre, is, and has been for many years, a serious concern for pedestrians. The path is the main route to and from St. Mary’s Primary school and Primary Care Centre on foot from the town centre or Bathgate West. It also leads to three major housing estates in the town. It is therefore an extremely well-used and busy path. 

The high risks, dangers and near accidents surrounding this path have been an ongoing topic at our St Mary’s Parent Council meetings for many years now. As a group we have campaigned with key stakeholders in trying to find a solution for this pathway and have it widened to make it safe not only for the school children on approach to the school, but the whole community. Our school children have also campaigned about this path but to no avail. The response from West Lothian Council is that the path meets minimum standards and won’t be considered for widening. 

We’ve recently learned that even further pressure is going to be put on the path now that planning permission has been granted to build a chain coffee shop directly opposite the Primary Care Centre. 

That’s why we’ve decided to start this petition. We need the support of the community to make WLC sit and up and listen to our ever-increasing concerns. The pathway is an accident waiting to happen. Regular users of the path have witnessed pedestrians walking out onto the road in an attempt to remain socially distanced from those oncoming. Pedestrians have been seen walking out onto the road to avoid dog walkers. Parents with prams have been seen walking out onto the road to avoid the congestion of pedestrians waiting to cross the road. It’s even been caught on camera where a pedestrian physically kicks a bike in attempt to get past on the narrow path, and ultimately ends up walking out onto the road to get past. 

Parents, carers and members of the public have reported that the narrow path is a real stress point.  Large vehicles are within touching distance of children using the path and is especially dangerous when managing a family of a few small children and those on bikes/scooters. Many parents and carers report feeling stressed and concerned until they are clear of this area.

A local after school club now also use the path as the route from St. Mary’s to the afterschool facility. This started in April this year and puts even more pressure on the route.

There’s a desire to start a cycle group from the Wester Inch area to St. Mary’s however as things stand, this is a non-starter given the safety issues with this path. 

Please support us by signing this petition today and finally make the decision makers at WLC admit that this path is not fit for purpose and that passing it off as meeting minimum standard is NOT ACCEPTABLE. Please also share with members of the Bathgate community to help us gain as much support in this campaign as possible. We also have the full backing of our local Councillor, Harry Cartmill in this petition.

Many thanks in advance for taking the time to read this.

St Mary's Primary School Parent Council