Moray SNP News

LOCHHEAD WELCOMES BURGHEAD BUS STOP PROGRESS

Moray’s MSP, Richard Lochhead, has welcomed steps taken by the Council to erect a bus stop sign opposite the entrance to Mason Haugh Road on Fraser Road, Burghead, following contact from concerned constituents.

Local residents contacted Mr Lochhead back in November to raise concerns about the lack of bus stop and the dangers this posed for members of the public who were having to stand on uneven ground, with no designated bus stop, in often challenging conditions due to the high winds that come off the sea.  One constituent, who is a regular user of the Burghead – Elgin bus service, is disabled and found standing on uneven ground problematic and dangerous worsened by weather conditions and the vacuum that can be created from large passing vehicles.  Some passengers were opting to stand on the pavement on the opposite side of the road until a bus came into view before attempting to cross the road in time to catch the bus. 

Mr Lochhead wrote to the Council on 3 November on the back of his constituents’ concerns asking that consideration be given to installing a bus stop and shelter.  The Council responded by promising to erect a bus stop sign and committing to laying a concrete plinth in the first quarter of 2015.  Whilst Mr Lochhead was informed that budgetary constraints did not allow for a bus shelter to be put in place during this financial year, the Head of Direct Services promised to ensure it is given “clear consideration” in the new financial year.

Responding to progress, Mr Lochhead said:

“I am really pleased that the Council has erected a bus stop sign and I look forward to a concrete plinth being laid which I know will make an enormous difference to local bus users, many of whom I understand to be disabled or elderly.  I can fully appreciate why my constituents were concerned about having to choose between the two dangerous options of either waiting on uneven ground or having to make a last minute dash across the road when their bus came into view. 

“The close proximity to the sea, and the unprotected nature of the spot, means it is left open to the elements and a bus shelter would be welcome progress for those who would be saved from braving the wind and rain on a cold day while waiting for a bus. 

“I will continue to keep a look out for further signs of progress.”