Debate was a done deal
Sir, – On Wednesday I attended a meeting of Moray Council’s economic development and infrastructure services committee when members were to, what I thought, debate and make a decision on whether to proceed with the recommendations contained in the Elgin Traffic Management – Western Distributor Road Report.
What I witnessed was nothing less than a stage-managed, stitched-up "done deal" between Councillor John Russell, who chaired the committee, and the committee’s vice-chairman, Councillor Stewart Cree, along with the members who said absolutely nothing.
Councillor Russell, as chair, opened the meeting with obvious emphasis on gaining approval and, indeed, in summing up he voted to approve and asked for a second approval to enforce his decision. Councillor Cree seemed only too delighted to jump into action to second his decision.
With seven of the 12 councillors not so much as opening their mouths or even having to raise a hand, estimated costs of some £12.5 million of Council Tax was approved, along with the demolition of a number of homes, and all the humanitarian needs of residents involved totally ignored.
Watch your back if you thought none of the distributor road works referred to as the Western Distributor Road will affect you, because not mentioned much but stated in the Reason For Report by G. Holland, transportation manager, was that a number of transport improvement proposals (TSPs) remain in SW Elgin, including:
TSP7: Junction improvement Birnie Road/Sandy Road.
TSP8: Sandy Road/Glen Moray Drive realignment.
TSP9: Junction improvement Edgar Road/Glen Moray Drive/Wards Road.
TSP10: Edgar Road extension-Wittet Drive.
TSP11: New railway bridge Wittet Drive-Edgar Road extension.
TSP12: New roundabout A96/Wittet Drive.
How long before road signs on the A96 at Pinefield direct traffic towards Linkwood to Thornhill/Birnie Road/Sandy Road/Edgar Road/Wittet Drive to the A96 at West Road, and vice-versa? Thereby bypassing central Elgin.
Do not for a moment think you have councillors who will fight your corner on this issue; they have demonstrated where their loyalties lie at the above meeting.
Yours etc,
Name and address supplied
