Moray campaigners fear the area’s economy could be on the road to ruin unless economic leaders adopt a robust stance on a massive infrastructure improvement project.
The Forres A96 Dualling Action Group claims certain options for the dualled A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road could hamstring Moray’s income by bypassing busy trading spots.
Members said recent comments from a leading councillor alluded to council and business leaders taking a passive approach towards design options for the project.
Last week, Transport Scotland announced it was closer to appointing a contractor to carry out the work on a key stretch of the road through the area.
Welcoming the news, Moray Economic Partnership chairman John Cowe said he was “eager to see” which route the dualled road would take.
Action group leader, Brian Higgs, questioned whether Mr Cowe’s comments belay a reluctance to influence the scheme.
He said: “As well as leading the Moray Economic Partnership, Mr Cowe is chairman of the council’s economic development and infrastructure services committee.
“It looks like the council intends to be told where the A96 will go, rather than influence Transport Scotland’s decision.
“One particular option will take essential passing trade away from small retail and tourist businesses, and could leave Moray economically isolated.”
Moray Council previously said it would be “premature” to offer any viewpoint on the plans until they progress further.
And last night, Mr Cowe stressed that as the scheme develops, he will press Transport Scotland on selecting a beneficial route.
He said: “I share people’s concerns on this, but’s not possible to press for anything at the moment as we don’t know who will be carrying out the work.
“But we’ll be lobbying as hard as we can once a company is chosen.
“That is the time to look at what would be the most advantageous route through Moray.”
Mr Cowe also moved to reassure campaigners that he believed it “highly unlikely” that transport chiefs would select the option they most strongly oppose.
Last week, Transport Scotland said the number of firms bidding for the £50million contract had been narrowed down to four.
Design work on a 29-mile-section of the route between Auldearn and Fochabers will begin after a contractor is appointed.
