A north-east MSP has accused Scottish Government ministers of “snubbing” residents living close to the long-awaited Aberdeen bypass – and for the third time.
Transport Minister Humza Yousaf was invited to meet locals who have campaigned for the retention of the historic Deeside Way, a popular route for cyclists and walkers.
The request was made by the city council’s petitions committee, which was presented with 1,700 signatures backing plans for a footbridge across the new Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.
In a letter responding to the committee, economy secretary Keith Brown MSP said he did “not feel that a meeting would be beneficial”.
Tory MSP Ross Thomson claimed it was the third time that a minister had turned down an invitation to head north.
He said: “The former transport minister Derek Mackay was twice asked to come to Aberdeen and meet residents who have been adversely affected by the AWPR works.
“This latest snub from Keith Brown follows a concerted local campaign from people who are concerned about the impact of the development on the very popular Deeside Way.
“It may well be that the issue of the bridge over the bypass is for the city council to resolve.
“But I think, given the importance of this project, it would be a positive sign of good faith to meet those in the communities who are affected by this work along with the council to seek a resolution to this.”
A Transport Scotland spokesman maintained there had already been “extensive consultation” on the AWPR in north-east communities.
He said: “The AWPR proposals in the Milltimber area were extensively consulted on and fully examined at a Public Local Inquiry during 2008.
“The permanent bridge, carrying Milltimber Brae over the AWPR, will provide users of the Deeside Way with continued access along the Deeside Way and over the new AWPR as set-out in the plans in 2007, which were agreed by stakeholders including Aberdeen City Council.
“This new bridge is located close to the existing Deeside Way line and has dedicated provision for cyclists and walkers.
“During this consultation process, and at the request of Aberdeen City Council, the placement of the bridge close to the line of the Deeside Way also allows for any potential future reinstatement of the railway line should it be developed.”
