Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop criticised for ‘refusal’ to meet Keith residents and businesses amid ongoing Moray landslide repair work on A96
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop has been criticised for not meeting with businesses and residents of a town amid ongoing landslide repair work.
Temporary traffic lights have been in place at the Union Bridge in Keith on the A96 since a river bank and retaining wall fell into the River Isla in July.
The safety measure has caused long tailbacks through the town and concerns have been raised that this is reducing trade for nearby businesses.
United Keith chairperson Linda Gorn told The Northern Scot last month that the whole economy of Keith could “collapse” if work to fix the bridge is not accelerated.
Road operator Amey has since said it is doing everything it can to “expedite matters”.
Highlands and Islands MSP Douglas Ross says Ms Hyslop “refused” his request to meet with those impacted by the ongoing work adding that her response is an “insult to those living and working in Keith”.
Mr Ross said: “These ongoing works are having a major impact in Keith.
“While the town very much remains open for business, representatives of the business community have told me that they have experienced a sharp drop in footfall and takings in recent months.
“That is why I was keen for the SNP’s transport secretary to come to Keith and hear first-hand about the impact the works at Union Bridge is having on local residents and businesses.
“Snubbing this request was a mistake by the SNP transport secretary and I hope she will reconsider.
“These works are scheduled to last well into next year, yet Fiona Hyslop could not make a simple commitment to hear directly from businesses.”
He added: “I will continue to engage with the businesses and residents affected by these works, which I hope can be completed as quickly as possible. But for that to happen we need more urgency from the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland and Amey.”
Amey maintains it is committed to completing the work “as quickly as possible” and met with a group of elected representatives, community council members and local businesses owners recently to discuss the concerns of the community.
Councillor Donald Gatt (Conservative, Keith and Cullen) has spoken with residents in the town to discuss the issue.
He says he is disappointed that the transport secretary has not committed to a meeting with them.
Cllr Gatt added: “She is not interested in hearing from those who are having to put up with this day after day, which is deeply disappointing.”
