Moray SNP News

ANSWERS SOUGHT BY MSP OVER ROAD WORK DELAY COMPENSATION

Following contact with struggling small businesses in Aberlour, Richard Lochhead MSP has written to the Chief Executive of Scottish Water, Douglas Millican, seeking urgent clarification and answers over whether compensation can be offered.

Aberlour business owners have told Moray’s MSP that due to the delayed road improvements, many are struggling to cover the costs of staff wages or to purchase new stock for the Christmas period. 

The road works were further delayed after the contractor discovered utility apparatus under the road that wasn’t expected and that pipes were not located where they were told they would be in the pre-scheme information.  Mr Lochhead understands that there are two water mains that now need replacing, including a 107 year old cast iron pipe, and following consultation with the community Scottish Water have agreed that work to replace the water mains will begin in January and is hoped to be completed around March.

In his urgent letter to Douglas Millican, Mr Lochhead has reiterated the concerns conveyed to him from business owners and residents in the community and has urged Scottish Water to liaise with Transport Scotland to co-ordinate how best to proceed with requests for financial compensation.

Richard Lochhead said:

“I’ve been contacted by a number of small business owners in Aberlour about the affect the delays are having, with some telling me that they will struggle to pay staff wages or purchase new stock for the Christmas period.

“Small businesses within Aberlour face challenges at the best of times and unfortunately, through no fault of their own these delays are putting more pressure on the local economy and it is incredibly concerning to told by constituents that livelihoods and jobs may be at risk.

“It strikes me that mistakes have been made and I have written to the Chief Executive of Scottish Water reiterating the potential fallout of these delays, and urging him to liaise with Transport Scotland to coordinate how they can best help the community at this very challenging time.”