A leading campaigner against Elgin’s controversial western link road project is now gearing up for another transport fight.
Transport Scotland is currently drawing up options for the dualling of the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road through Moray.
Yesterday the Green Party published its manifesto for next month’s council elections with a pledge to ensure the right choice is made for the region.
Concerns have been expressed about both route options on the table – one that cuts directly through the countryside from Forres to Fochabers and another that follows roughly the same path as the current A96 but with new bypasses at Elgin and Forres.
Convener of Moray Greens, James Mackessack-Leitch, fought the western link road in Elgin.
And now the Heldon and Laich candidate is eager to ensure transport is at the top of the authority’s agenda if elected next month.
He said: “There are big challenges, and opportunities coming down the road that the council needs to show leadership on.
“The route of the new A96 is likely to be decided in the next few years – it could be a blessing or a curse – and I’ll push the council to step up to get the best for Moray.”
The Greens are campaigning to win their first seats in the chambers and believe they could bring a “fresh perspective” to decision making.
The party’s manifesto includes pledges to encourage new homes in rural areas to boost rolls at village schools while supporting businesses and bus routes.
Encouraging cycling, protecting historic buildings and the reintroduction of deposits on returnable bottles are also included in the eight-page document.
Forres candidate Fabio Villani said: “We need a council willing to invest public resources to support community-led activities and to remove barriers stopping people taking more control.
“In the Forres area alone, community groups are already successfully managing woodlands, gardens, historic buildings and cultural events – as well as services for children, young people and the elderly.
“This is exactly what the council should be supporting, and our manifesto ensures Green councillors will do just that.”