FIRST Minister Alex Salmond has launched a personal attack on a campaigner responsible for delaying a £400 million bypass.

The SNP leader has claimed that RoadSense chairman William Walton could become the most disliked man in the country if he continues to appeal against the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

Mr Salmond believes that Mr Walton is holding the country to ransom after the campaigner filed a new legal challenge at the Inner House of the Court of Session.

The leader yesterday urged Mr Walton -- who labelled the comments “regrettable” -- to listen to public opinion and withdraw the appeal.

Mr Salmond said: “There has been a public inquiry which came down in favour of the route. At that stage Mr Walton should have said, ‘We have had our argument heard,’ and should have accepted the overwhelming opinion.

“He has had his day -- he has had many days at the public inquiry. He is flying against public opinion and making himself one of the most unpopular people in this country.

“It is time for RoadSense to see some common sense. They should be duty-bound to accept the result of the inquiry.

“Incredibly, he is talking about delaying this longer. There is no possible defence of that position.

“If he wants to listen to my advice, it is to withdraw the appeal -- he is holding the rest of the north-east of Scotland to ransom.”

However, Mr Walton yesterday vowed to continue to fight against what he sees as a “legally flawed” plan. He said: “I think it’s regrettable that Mr Salmond has chosen to personalise the issue.

“I have every respect for him and his position as First Minister, but this is not about Alex Salmond or myself -- it’s simply about our view that the decision to approve the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route was legally flawed. We’re simply exercising our legal rights.”

RoadSense claims that the new road will damage the environment of the Dee Valley and badly affect species along the route which are protected under European law.

Mr Walton added: “Alex Salmond is entitled to express his opinion. We are entitled to seek a judicial review because we think the decision was flawed -- and our legal team agrees.”

The bypass was backed by ministers in 2009 following a lengthy public inquiry. The Government claims that the bypass is needed to cut congestion and improve links across the regions, and that it will boost the economy.

But the project -- which has already cost £113m -- is reported to be rocketing by £1m every month before construction even begins.

Mr Salmond previously said he was considering new legislation in light of the costly delay to prevent potential disputes over future public inquiry findings.

However, Mr Walton warned that any legislation preventing appeals against decisions could breach international law.

The university lecturer said: “I think he might want to reconsider that, as effectively that’s seeking to prevent the process of judicial review which would require a fundamental change in legal constitution in Scotland and the UK. It would place Scotland outside of international law on environment matters.

“A legal challenge looks at the merits of decisions made by ministers and ensures that the law has been applied correctly.

“It is an important check on the improper use of power by ministers and other public bodies. I would remind him that the court have a very important role in the democratic society: to make sure that decisions taken by public bodies are made correctly.”

Appeal judges will hear arguments from RoadSense campaigners and the Scottish Ministers on December 13.

However, Mr Walton and his supporters need to get a judge to cap their legal expenses before it can go ahead. The chairman will ask for a protected expenses award later this month so that any ex-penses claimed by Scottish ministers will be limited if he loses.

 

The story so far...

  • 1990s: Plans for the Aberdeen bypass are considered by the then Grampian Regional Council.
  • 2005: Possible routes are presented to the public.
  • September 2008: A public inquiry is held and campaign group RoadSense raises concerns.
  • December 2009: Ministers approve plans for the route.
  • May 2010: RoadSense challenges the plans at the Court of Session.
  • September 2011: The campaign group appeals to the inner house of the Court of Session after the legal challenge is refused.