Concerns have been raised over the length of time the criminal proceedings are taking involving the fatal lorry crash in Fairlie.

It is now almost two years sinc ethe lorry ploughed into a Victorian block of flats in the Main Street, killing Cahterine Bonner.

After lengthy investigations into the horror accident, on February 14 2013, police confirmed that the lorry driver had been charged in relation to the Road Traffic Act 1988 in December 2013.

The driver, aged 53 at the time, was charged with alleged dangerous driving, and causing Mrs Bonner's death.

A year on, Fairlie community councillors are questioning why there has been no further developments.

In a letter to Cunninghame North MSP, Kenneth Gibson, Mr David Telford, who has been leading calls for a Fatal Accident Inquiry into the incident, wrote: “The recent sad events in Glasgow’s George Square just before Christmas cannot help but bring to mind the tragic death in Fairlie of Mrs Catherine Bonner. As almost two years has passed since that dreadful accident, it would be helpful to the community if we had some information on what might be happening with the investigation into this sad event.

“We are fully aware that a Fatal Accident Inquiry cannot take place until all criminal proceedings have been completed. However, all of the Community Council’s attempts to find out what may be happening in this respect have simply met with a wall of silence.” The matter was raised during the recent Fairlie Community Council meetings at the Semple Centre by Mr Telford.

He said: “That is nearly two years since the tragedy, and we are still none the wiser.” And community councillor Alistair Green asked that in respect of the driver being charged, given the length of time which has since passed, would he be time barred. He asked if it would then be too late for trial.

The articulated lorry belonged to Robert Thomspon and Son, a haulage company based in Carluke.

The circumstances in relation to the death were reported to the Crown Office, and the Procurator Fiscal Office (COPFS) on February 15 2013, and since then until December 2013, the police gathered relevant evidence including statements from witnesses and expert reports.

Cunninghame North MSP Kenneth Gibson said: “Basically, I’m trying to find out from the Procurator Fiscal when the matter will be brought to trial. As soon as they get back to me I’ll let Mr Telford know the details.” “I have asked the Lord Advocate for a full report including clarification re: any possible time bar. Given the seriousness of the charges I would be very surprised if one applied.” A spokesman for the Crown Office said: “As is standard for an accused person’s first appearance, no plea has been taken from him. There are currently no further court dates set for this case but the timebar was extended by the Sheriff last year.“