ALMOST A YEAR of misery for main street businesses in Aberlour should soon be over according to Scottish Water.
Works on a stretch of the A95 passing through the centre of Aberlour were only ever supposed to take a few months – however, they dragged on as one problem after another emerged with various agencies blaming each other.
Initially concerns were raised over the timing of the works through the busy summer period – but these were compounded when an “unrecorded” water main was discovered, resulting in what was a resurfacing project becoming a much more difficult mains water replacement project.
Roads agency Bear Scotland and Scottish Water held a number of consultation meetings with local residents and businesses, the latter demanding compensation for loss of business during the extended delays.
Some local business reported takings down by as much as 80% over the last year.
However, the pain should be over according to community team manager for Scottish Water, Diane Burgess, who said: “We would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding while the essential replacement work was carried out.”
A Bear Scotland spokesman added that following completion of the works by Scottish Water the final stage of the surface improvement works could be completed, saying: “A consultation meeting with the Aberlour Business Association and other stakeholders is currently being arranged, after which the works programme will be finalised.
“We will continue to engage with the community whilst the works are in progress.”
Business owners are fighting for compensation from Scottish Water who, they say, provided Transport Scotland with incorrect information about the location of water mains.