HARD PRESSED BUSINESS and community leaders in Aberlour will have an opportunity to learn more on why road works through their community have been extended into March.
The Speyside community has been hit hard by delays to work on the A95 through the heart of the town that began at the start of the busy tourism season this year.
Originally assurances were given by Transport Scotland and their operating company, Bear Scotland, that the £2million road improvement plan was required to address historic flooding issues – and would be completed by the Autumn.
However, the project has been beset with delays that have caused local business owners to complain that trade has been brought to a near standstill – with still no apparent end to the works, which are now estimated to continue until April.
Moray’s MSP Richard Lochhead has been working to resolve the issues and earlier this month called on Scottish Water to consider compensation for hard-hit business in the town.
Now Scottish Water are inviting the community to attend an “Information Event” next month so that they can learn first-hand what the issues are and what action Scottish Water intend to take.
A Scottish Water spokeswoman said: “Scottish Water is inviting customers in Aberlour to attend an information event regarding the replacement of water mains along the High Street.
“The utility firm are required to replace and reposition these mains to tie in with Transport Scotland’s current work to lower the road level as leaving them where they are now could result in the network being susceptible to damage. The work is due to be carried out from Monday, January 4 with completion expected by the end of March.
“The purpose of this event will be to give local residents and the wider community the opportunity to discuss Scottish Water’s plans in full and to learn more about how they will continue to be kept informed about the work as it progresses.”
The information event will be held in the Old Station Tearoom on Broomfield Square on Wednesday, December 9 from 3pm until 7pm.