Two north-east councillors have called for Fraserburgh to be an integral part of any overhaul of the north-east transport network.
The calls come as officials from Transport Scotland visit Peterhead and Longhaven today to hear the public’s arguments for upgrading the A90 Aberdeen to Peterhead road.
Work is already underway to dual the stretch from Balmedie to Tipperty as part of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.
However, now Fraserburgh councillor Ian Tait has stressed that any upgrade must go all the way to the “terminus of the A90” – Fraserburgh.
He said last night: “There are two main things here – economic development and driver safety.
“We want to try to make it easy for new businesses to come into Fraserburgh and if there’s good transport routes that’s a plus factor for new businesses – it makes it easier to get finished goods out.
“The council has spent a lot of money improving the town centre all with the intention of drawing more tourists in – not just tourists but day visitors as well – who will spend money in our shops and protect jobs.”
Mr Tait added it was vital to make the roads “as safe as possible” after a series of serious collisions on the A90 – “as far as I’m concerned it’s extremely important this dual carriageway does not stop at Peterhead.”
Ellon councillor Gillian Owen is spearheading the Why Stop at Ellon campaign, calling for the work to extend along the entire length of the road.
Ahead of today’s meeting she said: “Fraserburgh’s one of the largest northern towns and the true benefit of increased connectivity is obviously going to be the increase in potential for trade. Whether that’s improving freight connections or allowing more face-to-face meetings to take place in Fraserburgh.
“It allows for a reorganisation of economic activity for businesses operating out of Fraserburgh. I’ve spoken a lot about Peterhead, but if they dual to Peterhead they have to stretch it to Fraserburgh.”
“The piecemeal aspect will just not work.”
Head of technical analysis at Transport Scotland Alison Irvine will attend the meetings today.
The public meetings will be held at Peterhead Community Centre from 3pm-4pm and Longhaven Public Hall from 4.15pm-5pm.
