COUNCILLORS have pledged to work towards reducing lengthy delays in street lighting and bus shelter repairs in Bute and Cowal.

Kirstie Reid, of Strachur Community Council, highlighted issues on the A815, along with a bus shelter in the village, at a meeting of local councillors.

One councillor even said that the long response times were making him and his colleagues “look like we are not doing our job correctly”.

The discussion took place at a meeting of Argyll and Bute Council’s Bute and Cowal area committee on Tuesday, September 3.

Ms Reid’s question, which due to sound issues was read by clerk Stuart McLean, said: “Questions were asked if there was ever an inspection done on the lights on the A815.

“We were told that the part to fix the light was in an office and would be fixed the next week.

“We were then told it would be carried out next Friday, then that the underground cables were not working, and that everything was here to fix the light and it would be done as soon as a temporary traffic regulation order was granted.

“Then the local press said that there was a fault which it would cost £30,000 to fix.

“We have been asking for these lights to be addressed since the end of 2020, and are requesting a meeting to share our feelings on this as soon as possible.

“We reported damage to the roof of the bus shelter on January 30, and after a meeting were told it would be repaired in time for the schools returning.

“We were then informed that residents in Innellan were to get a new bus shelter, and once they were happy with the location, it would be fixed. Again, residents of Strachur come second to other areas.”

Councillor Gordon Blair (Cowal, SNP) said: “I know that the bus shelter is getting repaired today. It has taken that length of time, and that is very disappointing, but this is why we go through the area committee and business days.

“We do it to have better engagement with officers on issues that are so important to our communities. We are also going to do a business day in Cowal for the villages outwith the central area.

“We have recognised the fact that we are not responding as quickly as we should. Two years to get something fixed is not appropriate in any local authority.

“These are the steps we are taking to speed things up, and if we have good communication with community councils, everybody will know what is going on.”

Councillor William Sinclair (Cowal, Liberal Democrat) added: “I am really frustrated with some of the things I have put on my member services portal, especially with the school patrol crossing.

“I honestly feel that roads and infrastructure services are just not taking even a councillor like myself seriously.

“I have to go to community council meetings, and they can be really frustrated, and it makes us look like we are not doing our job correctly.

“But I can assure you I am. With some responses I have had, I would like to think they are taking what we say seriously.

“I understand Ms Reid’s frustration, and the Strachur community’s frustration. I think officers need to pick up the phone and speak to us, rather than sending emails via member services, which does not help.”

Argyll and Bute Council has been contacted for comment.