Campaigners battling against an expanded sewage works in a Highland village have claimed that a fresh consultation drive by Scottish Water “falls short” of what is required.
The agency agreed to write to all Ardersier residents and hold a series of consultation events in the village following talks with Scottish minister and local MSP Fergus Ewing.
The move was made after furious local residents launched a campaign against Scottish Water’s £11million plans for a new sewer, extended outflow into the Moray Firth and expanded treatment plant in Ardersier.
Close to 2,000 people have signed an online petition against the project, and the campaign has been backed by Holywood star Dame Helen Mirren, who was married in the village.
Jenny Maylin, a local resident and campaigner, said the new consultation did not go far enough.
“I think it falls short of what was agreed with Fergus Ewing and Maree Todd,” she said.
“I think that calling it ‘information days’ suggests they are not doing a consultation, they are just coming to ‘inform’ us.
“They are not saying anything new, and we really need to hear new things. We need to hear that they are looking at alternative sites now.
“Obviously the community is against the treatment plant. Nothing they are saying is going to make us change our minds.”
The events will be held at Ardersier War Memorial Hall, from 2pm to 6pm, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next week, while Scottish Water will also be attending the Ardersier and Petty Community Council meeting on Tuesday.
Simon Parsons, director of strategic customer service planning at the agency, said: “There are two main reasons for the improvements at Ardersier. Firstly, we are required to carry out improvements to protect and enhance the Moray Firth environment – particularly for the benefit of the bottlenose dolphins.
“Secondly, we need to carry out some work to ensure we have sufficient infrastructure in place to meet the needs of the significant housing and economic growth in the area.
He added: “We held an information event last month and recognise customers have further concerns and questions about the improvements. We are therefore providing written information to every household in the area, as well as holding a series of further information events.
“This will give everyone in the community the opportunity to be informed on all aspects of the current and proposed future waste water arrangements in the Ardersier area.”
