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A major road in a town in the south of Scotland has been closed for six weeks, leading to a 50-mile (80km) diversion and causing significant disruption, according to local traders. The road closure along the A76, an important route connecting Dumfries and Galloway with Ayrshire, has resulted in what business owners describe as “absolute chaos.” Traffic management measures, including temporary lights, were in place for two weeks before the full closure began on Monday, with the work expected to continue until 10 July.
The affected stretch runs alongside the category A-listed Tolbooth building, where the road narrows, making a complete closure necessary for certain repairs. Although local access remains available, heavy goods vehicles are directed to follow an official diversion route that takes southbound traffic off the A70 at Cumnock, then on to Thornhill via the B7078 and A702, with the reverse applicable for northbound vehicles. Despite this, numerous lorries have still attempted to enter the town, becoming stuck and forced to reverse out.
Local business owners have voiced their frustrations over the impact this closure has had on trade. Gareth Polland, who runs a convenience store called The Store, described the situation as “terrible,” emphasizing that the absence of parking outside his shop has “absolutely decimated” footfall and sales. He also pointed to incidents where large HGVs became trapped in the town, unable to turn around. Polland criticized the council’s decision to carry out the work during regular daytime hours rather than overnight, describing their attitude as one of “borderline belligerence” and suggesting a lack of accountability. He said, “It genuinely feels like the council – they just don’t care, they genuinely don’t care and there is no accountability.”
Another retailer, Charles Brown, who owns a local newsagent close to the Tolbooth, reported a noticeable drop in customers and some conflict among drivers trying to navigate the temporary traffic controls. Brown revealed a loss of approximately £200 in takings over the past two days and noted a 30% decrease in business at the nearby petrol station. The council acknowledged the concerns raised by traders and explained that the work—addressing significant defects in the stonework of the historic Tolbooth—had been carefully planned to minimize disruption. They reaffirmed that local access would be maintained throughout the project, which is expected to be completed well ahead of key summer events in the area
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