A FURIOUS row over a controversial Moray link road that has raged for more than a decade will finally come to a head next month.
Moray Council’s proposed £8.5million Western Link Road (WLR) – from Elgin’s west end to New Elgin and back to the main A96 – has been widely criticised by local residents.
But the local authority claims the project is essential for the economic prosperity of the region.
The sometimes bitter feud is set reach a conclusion at a planning hearing set for November 12.
A survey – commissioned by campaigners Elgin Designing Streets Action Group (Edsag) – at the beginning of the year found that 90% of respondents were against the route and there have been more than 1,300 objections to the WLR plan in letters and e-mails.
Campaigners say Moray residents have never protested so much about anything, speaking volumes about the “ludicrous” nature of the council’s pursuit.
Moray Council convener Stewart Cree said the link road was necessary to solve Elgin’s traffic problems and allow economic progress – a challenge the town had a history of shying away from.
Councillor Douglas Ross, chairman of the planning and regulatory services committee, said, for better or worse, the fate of Elgin’s west end would be decided next month.
Edsag campaigner Caroline Webster, who lives in Wittet Drive, in the west end and on the proposed route, said: “We are encouraging as many people as possible to put their point across at the hearing.
“The more people there are, the louder the voice and we are very hopeful it will be refused at the hearing.
“The council have changed their reasoning every time they amended the application. It was a project to resolve traffic problems, then it moved to facilitating future development, then to facilitate the retail park, now to the economic prosperity of Elgin.
“There’s no proof that it’s economically viable. The community of Moray have never protested so much about anything before in the past, and the council cannot ignore that.”
Elgin shopkeeper Alastair Grant, of 74 Wittet Drive, said: “Councillors are supposed to be working for the people. The people are saying ‘We don’t want this’, but they don’t listen.
“It’s almost like the council officers who proposed this have been working on it so long it has become their baby, and they are going to try to push it through no matter what.”
Retired dentist Nancy Walker, of 26 Wittet Drive, said: “If they dual the A96, we will be left with something redundant that nobody uses in a decade’s time. It’s ludicrous.”
However, speaking last night, Mr Cree said: “Progressing the inner infrastructure is essential for the future prosperity of Elgin’s economy.
“How long does Elgin want to put off its internal traffic needs?
“To see the town’s economy grow to reach its potential, there is a need to attract more big-name stores, which in turn would entice more shoppers.
“We will not do that until we progress these issues. Elgin has a history of not taking up this challenge.”
Mr Ross said: “I requested the hearing to allow all the protesters and objectors to state their views to councillors and, finally, after that hearing, one way or another, we will get a decision on the link road.
“Either planning will be approved and construction work will begin or the plans will be rejected, which will put an end to the project.
“By the middle of next month, we will know what the future holds for Wittet Drive.”
Edsag is urging local residents to attend an information evening ahead of the hearing on Monday, October 27.