Much needed improvements to a notorious section of road in the far north, look set to be delayed by a public inquiry because of one objector, who actually supports the work.
Alexander Johnston says he is only objecting the A9 Berriedale Braes improvement scheme in Caithness because as things stand, he would result in the loss of vehicle access to his property. He would then have to rely on a footbridge.
Highlands and islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant has taken up his case: “Transport Scotland and the Transport Minister need to see sense over this objection and take steps towards resolving it without the need for a Public Local Inquiry (PLI). Everyone wants to see these improvements start sooner rather than later and resolving this objection is absolutely necessary to avoid a potentially huge delay to this project."
She said that asking Mr Johnston to agree to losing road access to his property , seemed like an entirely unreasonable request from Transport Scotland, "and as I understand it Transport Scotland have already considered a workaround to enable works to take place whilst retaining road access for Mr Johnston.
“I am writing to Transport Scotland and the Transport Minister Derek Mackay, seeking a workable solution for everyone involved, which will hopefully avoid the need for PLI and delay to the Berriedale Braes improvement scheme. It is clear to me this appears to be a reasonable objection and that a reasonable solution can be found.”
Mr Johnston said "I am not objecting to the improvement scheme in principle only the proposal to remove road access to my property, which would be an unacceptable inconvenience, as well as a health and safety issue as the only other access to my property is via a footbridge which cannot be relied upon during bad weather and is unsuitable for emergency access.”
He said there were options for him to retain access to his road throughout the improvement works, and he would happily withdraw his objection immediately "if they can be arranged with Transport Scotland.”
But a Transport Scotland spokeswoman said "We must observe our statutory obligations and currently one statutory objector remains. We have been in detailed discussions with this objector for a number of months to try and resolve the matter. However, we are clear that vehicular access to the property using the existing access is not safe given its proximity to the bend proposed as part of the Berriedale Braes Improvement scheme."
She understood a PLI would proceed unless Mr Johnston's objection was withdrawn.
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