Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar has joined South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth in continuing the campaign to push forward improvements to A77 and A75 roads.

Colin Smyth has written to Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth about the need for the Scottish Government to set out a clear programme of improvements for the A75 and A77, while Anas Sarwar has written to MP Alister Jack.

The A77 is a vital road that runs through Ayrshire from Kilmarnock to Stranraer

Colin Smyth wrote: “As you will be aware, myself and a cross party group of colleagues hosted a meeting between the A77 Campaign Group and members of affected local authorities to set out action points for the progression of road improvements on the A77 and A75.

“We believe securing government investment for the dualling of these roads will not only exponentially grown the local economy, but it will also make the road safer, greener and better overall.

“As the gateway to Northern Ireland, both roads are important to the economy of the south west and indeed Scotland as a whole.

“We have been calling on the Scottish Government for some time now to set out a clear programme of improvements to both roads in the forthcoming Strategic Transport Projects Review.

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"It would be very useful to meet with you to discuss this and the wider issues facing the businesses and people of south west Scotland.”

Anas Sarwar wrote: “Due to the Port of Cairnryan being accessed through the A77, its current layout is grossly inappropriate for both pedestrian and HGV drivers.

“Due to the danger posed by this road, many drivers are sadly no longer with us. Primarily, it is pedestrian fatalities that we see on the A77, simply due to its poor layout.

"Moreover, investment to improve the A77 and A75 will allow for local towns, ill equipped for this type of traffic to stop being used as diversion routes whenever there is an accident of urgent roadworks required.

“As part of our prior stated cross-party meeting, an agreed action point was to secure a meeting with Alister Jack as Secretary of State for Scotland.”

Colin Smyth added: “Scottish Labour is serious in its commitment to ensuring that improving these vital roads remains on the agenda of both our governments.”

Anas Sarwar and Colin Smyth will also be meeting with bosses from ferry firm Stena this week in the Scottish Parliament to discuss the importance of the A75/A77 to the ferry crossing at Cairnryan.