Moray SNP News

MSP SEEKS TALKS WITH SCOTTISH WATER CEO OVER ABERLOUR ROADWORKS DELAYS

Richard Lochhead has written to the Chief Executive of Scottish Water seeking a meeting to discuss their role in the delays to road improvements on the A95 through Aberlour, and the steps they can take to help those who have been affected.

Moray’s MSP has been in regular contact with members of the community since the road works began, and constituents have expressed to him their serious concerns about the impact the delayed project has had on local businesses.  Whilst Scottish Water and Transport Scotland have both held public drop ins to provide updates on the works, it has been put to Mr Lochhead by a number of constituents that the messages they are receiving from these two organisations are not consistent.

Some members of the business community in Aberlour are now seeking compensation from Scottish Water for the lengthy delays, as they are led to believe that the delays were caused by Scottish Water provided incorrect information about infrastructure at the planning stages of the project.

Mr Lochhead has sought a meeting with Douglas Millican in order to get clarification around their role in the delays and to establish what assistance Scottish Water can offer those who have suffered as a result of the delays.

Commenting, Richard Lochhead MSP said:

“Members of the Aberlour community have been in regular contact with me over the road improvements project, and whilst everyone agrees the work was necessary, the delays have been significant and it is concerning to hear just how badly small local businesses have been affected.

“From what I gather, the view of Transport Scotland is that the delays were a result of them discovering two water pipes under the road surface that they were not made aware of at the planning stage.

“The community will undoubtedly be glad that the end of the disruption is in sight, however it is vital that those affected have a clear explanation as to what led to these delays and who is ultimately responsible for helping those who have seen their small business suffer, and I’ve sought a meeting with the Chief Executive of Scottish Water to try and get that clarity.”