A Scottish Government minister has been accused of “passing the buck” amid a litany of complaints from local landowners affected by the AWPR works.
The Press and Journal highlighted concerns from a number of north-east residents who have seen their land damaged from the bypass’ construction.
Their grievances include “extensive” damage and unauthorised work regularly taking place.
And although contractors have met with agents representing the landowners, it has been claimed there has been a lack of “urgency, empathy or willingness to follow through” to resolve complaints.
North East MSP Peter Chapman wrote to Cabinet Secretary Keith Brown asking him to intervene to rectify the situation – but Mr Brown said the existing arrangements were sufficient.
Mr Chapman said the response would lead those affected to “consider that their problems are not important enough” for the minister.
But Transport Scotland said Mr Brown had “recently met” with concerned landowners.
Mr Chapman said: “I understand that the contractor has a system in place to deal with any issues that arise through the construction of the AWPR, but the problem is that system is not working properly.
“The reason why constituents have raised this issue with me is that they are feeling intensely frustrated at the process for securing compensation for damage to property.
“I have said all along that I am fully supportive of the AWPR and all the obvious economic benefit to the north-east, but we cannot have development at any cost.
“I am disappointed that Mr Brown, while admitting outstanding issues remain unresolved, seems to be passing the buck onto the team on the ground.”
The £745million AWPR is due to be completed by the end of next year.
A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “We take these issues relating to the construction of the project very seriously and want to ensure that they are properly dealt with by the contractor.
“The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work (Mr Brown) recently met with landowners on a visit to the area to hear their concerns in person, and through Transport Scotland, will closely monitor the contractor’s progress in meeting its obligations.
“The contractor has confirmed that any outstanding issues will be brought to a resolution as quickly as possible.”
