Youths spotted sitting on M80 flyover

Images show groups climbing up an underpass in Castlerankine Road in Denny to get onto a bridge which forms part of the M80.

Concerned Denny resident Gordon Jack is among those demanding action is taken to prevent access to the area and, in turn, a second potential fatality, following an incident in 2011.

The 64-year-old retiree had demanded Falkirk Council and police intervene.

However, the local authority has told The Falkirk Herald it has passed Mr Jack’s concerns on to BEAR Scotland which is responsible for maintaining trunk roads such as the M80 on behalf of the Scottish Government.

Mr Jack, who lives near the underpass, has witnessed children endangering their lives there and is desperate for a solution to be found so his worst fears aren't realised.

Setback for Brightons teenager Ashlee Easton's cancer treatment

He said: “There’s nothing to stop anyone going up.

“There was a young man who lost his life there. Apparently he was racing down from the underpass, couldn’t stop himself and went through a gap.

“The fatality brought things to the fore but there was minimal action taken. All that happened was they put two grills across. That never stopped kids.

“We’ve moved to another level with kids sitting on the bridge. There are other parts on the motorway screened by 6ft fencing.

“I’ve stayed here for 30 years and it’s been a problem over those years.”

Mr Jack says pictures shared on social media have helped to raise the profile of the area among parents, many of whom, he claims, were previously unaware of its dangers.

He added: “My main concern is, with young kids, there’s a bit of horseplay.

“Falling from that height isn’t survivable, that’s for sure. In times gone by kids have been hanging over the railings to the alarm of passing motorists.

“I would hate for any family to lose their kid. I don’t want my family to come by there and find somebody in a state of grave injury or death.”

The Falkirk Herald has requested a comment from BEAR Scotland and police.

Thank you for reading this article on our free-to-read website. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

Please consider purchasing a subscription to our print newspaper to help fund our trusted, fact-checked journalism.

https://www.localsubsplus.co.uk/nord/dm/FKH/V