More needs to be done to ensure that views in Moray are taken fully into account as plans to dual the main A96 route between Aberdeen and Inverness are being formed.
That was a view put forward by Fochabers/Lhanbryde councillor Douglas Ross and supported by other councillors at the economic development and infrastructure committee on Tuesday.
Councillors discussed what will be one of the biggest ever infrastructure projects undertaken in the region – with the Tory councillor expressing his fears that Moray might be left behind as the local authority “sits on its hands and waits to hear” what is happening.
He said: “We were agreeing the service plan for the year ahead and there was just a cursory mention of dialogue officers would have with Transport Scotland about prioritising Moray sections of a dualled A96.
“For me that was not enough and I welcome the support from other elected members that we need to do more to ensure Moray is not an afterthought in this development.
“This will be one of the biggest infrastructure projects in Moray and will impact on most of our communities and the people who live and work here. The attitude from the council so far has been to sit in its hands and wait to hear what Transport Scotland come back with.
“If we continue on that vein Moray will be left behind and end up as the last section to be upgraded, that is not acceptable.
“Moray is the only mainland county in the United Kingdom that has no dual carriageway so we have to make sure that changes and changes quickly.
“Local councillors and all local politicians should be championing our case to the Scottish Government to ensure we see the road infrastructure upgrades to the A96 that Moray needs.”