Keith Union Bridge roadworks misery to drag on as delays slammed by MSP Ross
Delays of two months to roadworks which have already caused misery for almost a year have been slammed.
Contractor Amey initially stated that work to repair the embankment at Union Bridge on the A96 in Keith should be completed by May 18.
However, it has now been revealed that the completion date has slipped to July 25.
News of the delay has been blasted by Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP Douglas Ross, who went on to state that while Amey have confirmed in their latest update that issues at the site only became apparent when works started they have only revealed this information now.
Describing the news as a “huge blow” to long-suffering motorist and locals alike, he called on Amey to “urgently explain” why these issues have only been made public now, especially given the works were planned well in advance.
Mr Ross said he had contacted Amey for an update on the works following local businesses telling him about the possibility of further delays, but they have failed to respond to him.
He continued: “Residents and businesses in Keith will be astonished and angry by this latest update from Amey regarding these works at Union Bridge.
“For almost a year there have been delays through the town and we were told that allowed advance works to be undertaken. For issues to only now be identified begs the question what Amey were doing for all this time.
“The fact that the works may now take two months longer to complete is unacceptable and is a huge blow to businesses and residents in the town who have suffered as a result of these works for too long.
“I wrote to Amey last week after local businesses told me there could be a possibility of a delay to the works, but they have refused to respond.
“They now need to urgently explain why Keith residents and businesses have been left in the dark for so long and be upfront and honest about this delay and what they will do to prevent any further slippage with these works.”
Local Scottish Conservative councillor Donald Gatt who represents Keith says the latest update is “scarcely believable” and it is “shocking” that the town has been left in the dark.
He reiterated his calls for local businesses to be given compensation for the losses they have endured by the works, especially now they will be hit for large periods of the summer.
Mr Gatt added: “This latest update from Amey is scarcely believable.
“I share residents and businesses huge frustration at this situation which has had a huge impact on the town for far too long.
“These businesses which continue to suffer losses deserve to be compensated especially now they will be hit for a significant part of the summer.
“This information only emerging now is simply not good enough from Amey who seem completely detached from the reality facing Keith due to these works.”
