MEMBERS of the A77 Action Group say they feel discriminated against by Transerv Scotland after they took their banners down.

Four signs belonging to the group were taken down from around the Ayr and Girvan area. Transerv claim the signs were illegal and were taken down in the interests of public safety.

Donald M McHarrie, Co-founder of A77 Action Group, said: “Transerv dumped our banners on a fellow campaigners driveway. 

“John Campbell noticed the van pulling away from his home, and happened to go outside to discover them in a pile on his driveway. 

“When he was gathering them up, he noticed that some had been ripped and damaged.  Obviously not a lot of care was taken when Transerv/Transport Scotland bosses ordered them to be ripped down. 

“The banners were sourced from a high quality manufacturer, they were secured with the best quality cable ties. Every consideration to the positioning and securing was meticulous from a chap who spent many years as a volunteer fire fighter. 

“Health and Safety being paramount in that process. Other banners and signs remain untouched by Transerv/Transport Scotland. 

“We feel they have discriminated against us due to what the group is about. And not the positioning or security of our banners. More what they stand for. 

“Why leave 21 other sign/banners behind. Some a lot less secure than ours. They should have removed all.”

The group wrote to Transport Minister Humza Yousaf asking for help in their campaign but did not get a response.

Mr McHarrie, added: “We’ve yet to hear anything from the Transport Minister Mr Yousaf. Or even an acknowledgement of receiving the email. 

“It’s a pity the same effort wasn’t deployed in maintaining the A77, potholes appear daily. Nasty accidents happen almost weekly.”

The group will continue their campaign, until they get their desired outcome - a duel carriageway from Whitletts roundabout in Ayr to Cairnryan.