“It is absolutely vital to maintain momentum and ensure there is no question of unnecessary delay to a permanent solution for the A83. Our communities and businesses simply cannot endure more years of disruption that has already had a catastrophic impact on Argyll and Bute. ”
The Leader of Argyll and Bute Council has welcomed news of a long-term solution at the Rest and Be Thankful but is urging the Scottish Government to give assurances to the people of Argyll and Bute, that timescales and more details of the works is made available.
The most recent announcement earlier in June this year confirmed that the preferred long-term solution is the construction of a debris flow shelter to address the long-running challenges at the A83 Rest and Be Thankful.
Councillor Robin Currie, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council:
“Whilst we welcome progress from the Scottish Government, our communities and businesses simply cannot afford any additional delay, given the serious disruption Argyll and Bute has had to cope with.
Our communities have many questions and concerns despite this sign of progress including what will happen while work is ongoing. What is deeply concerning is the prospect of any of the main route in and out of Argyll and Bute reduced to a single lane during construction. If that happens, it would be crippling for the area given the impact so far and this could be in place for several more years.
Crucially, communities need to know what measures can be put in place to ensure that Argyll and Bute remains open for business and able to move its valuable produce, products and people to and from the rest of the country.”
The council agreed unanimously with the full motion, raised by the Leader.
Argyll and Bute Council:
- Requests that the Leader of the Council writes to the newly appointed Minister for Transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP, to highlight our communities’ concerns and their need for urgency in progressing the permanent solution for the Rest;
- Seeks reassurance from the Minister and her officials at Transport Scotland on a range of points including clear timescales; measures to mitigate against delay; contingency plans for maintaining access in the event of a major incident during construction; and confirmation that the A82 upgrade will progress as planned.
- Asks the Minister to convene an urgent meeting of the A83 Taskforce given the commitment made at the last meeting in Arrochar, in the context of this recent announcement and the questions that remain within the community and local industry;
- Calls upon the Minister to ensure that the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland and any other relevant agency will prepare and share a robust communications strategy which will reinforce the vital message at a national level that Argyll and Bute is open for business;
- Reiterates this council’s longstanding position that urgent completion of the permanent solution is of the utmost importance in order that Argyll and Bute’s current and future opportunities for population and economic growth are not compromised.