By Bill Heaney
Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton Constituency, has called on Transport Scotland to act with a sense of urgency in creating a permanent solution to the problems on the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful.
This comes as Transport Scotland publishes the emerging themes that came from the A83 consultation. The consultation received 650 responses and ended on 30 October 2020. The top two emerging themes are:
- A long-term solution is needed – the chosen option should take account of future needs and changes.
- The scheme must be developed quickly.
These are closely followed by the need for the local economy to be supported during any further disruptions.
Ms has received a response from Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, which states that a permanent solution will be identified by Spring 2021 and that the responses to the consultation will be published in full in early 2021.
She has said that the local communities affected by these continued problems need immediate solutions so interim measures need to be taken.
The MSP added: “It is no surprise that the biggest themes emerging from the A83 consultation are a need for a permanent solution to be found quickly and for local businesses to be supported.
“This is exactly what local people have been telling me – and what I’ve been calling for – for months now.
“The Scottish Government and Transport Scotland needs to have a greater sense of urgency when it comes to solving these issues and provide the communities surrounding the A83 with a permanent solution.
“This year has been incredibly difficult for the local economy and the prolonged problems at the A83 are only adding to the difficulties that businesses are facing.
“I urge Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government to ensure that an alternative route is chosen and implementation of that solution begins as soon as possible.”