Ross slams Transport Secretary for ‘total lack of interest’ in ending ongoing Union Bridge roadworks hell
The Scottish Transport Secretary has been slammed for her “total lack of interest” a Moray town’s ongoing roadworks misery.
Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP Douglas Ross has launched the attack on Fiona Hyslop over the ongoing works at Union Bridge in Keith.
He hit out after he questioned the SNP Transport Secretary on the issue once again in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday, February 6.
The Tory MSP had called on her to respond to hundreds of local residents signing a petition expressing their anger at the disruption the works have caused and whether businesses would be able to be compensated for the significant losses they have suffered.
However, Mr Ross said Ms Hyslop simply gave “pre-prepared” answers in response, rather than showing any genuine interest in the impact the works are having.
In response, she claimed that every effort was being made to mitigate the impacts, despite the works having been ongoing since last summer, while stating that the maximum delay for motorists is 12 minutes.
Mr Ross went on to warn that her answers will be met with “real anger” in Keith and he has once again invited Ms Hyslop to come to the town to speak to residents and businesses and hear first-hand from them to understand why they deserve some form of compensation.
He continued: “Fiona Hyslop’s responses will be met with real anger in Keith from local residents and businesses.
“Despite me raising this issue before and handing over a petition to Scottish Ministers before Christmas, it is clear she has a total lack of interest in the ongoing works at the Union Bridge.
“Businesses and residents are continuing to suffer huge losses and major disruption, but the best the SNP Transport Secretary could muster in response to me was pre-prepared answers.
“She even tried to make the claims that because the delays are 12 minutes that this was somehow a good thing.
“Following this unacceptable response I have once again asked Fiona Hyslop to come to Keith and hear first-hand from businesses and local residents and perhaps then she’ll understand the deeply damaging impact these works have had for far too long, and why they are calling for compensation.”
Local Conservative councillor Donald Gatt said that the response summed up how “out-of-touch” SNP ministers are with the issues facing those living in areas like Moray.
He added: “The response from Fiona Hyslop summed up how out-of-touch SNP ministers are with the concerns of people living in my ward.
“They feel there is no end in sight for these works, yet the transport secretary is dismissive of what they are enduring.
“I would strongly encourage her to accept Douglas Ross’ invitation and visit Keith as soon as possible.”
