Moray SNP News

SPEYSIDE RESIDENTS PLEAS REJECTED OUT OF HAND BY MORAY COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION

Concerns over the future of gritting routes in rural Speyside have fallen on deaf ears, after a motion from Independent Councillor Derek Ross and backed by the SNP and other opposition councillors was rejected without debate.

The motion argued that a recent decision taken by the Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee to reduce gritting on some routes was flawed because councillors were unaware that it affected school routes.

In order to reconsider the decision a suspension of standing orders was required but Administration councillors refused to consider the concerns raised since the decision was made.

Speaking after the vote SNP Councillor for Speyside Glenlivet, Louise Laing, said:

“Before the original decision on this issue SNP Councillors had sought reassurance that the routes affected did not include school bus routes but it has become apparent that this is not correct.

“Many people across Speyside have raised serious concerns about the impact of this on road safety, especially on the school bus routes and for me that is a clear reason to review the decision. Other concerns include access for care workers attending to elderly and vulnerable clients.

“It is hugely disappointing that the Tory and Independent Administration Councillors were not prepared to reconsider their decision, which, given the new information, is just wrong.

“Many people across Speyside will be rightly outraged by this outright rejection of their concerns and I will continue to raise their concerns.”