Villagers demand road closure rethink
Meeting tonight over controversial proposals
Concerned residents in Aberfeldy will meet tonight to discuss proposed road closures which could see the town cut off for seven weeks later in the summer.
Aberfeldy Small Business Association’s Avril Taylor has organised a meeting at Aberfeldy Town Hall at 7.30pm about the proposed road closure of the A827 at Cultullich Burn.
Perth and Kinross Council road maintenance partnership has programmed embankment stabilisation works to the bridge for August to October.
The timing of the closure, which was chosen to minimise the impact on salmon eggs in Cultullich Burn, has sparked controversy.
The road partnership wrote to councillors two weeks ago, announcing the proposals.
Residents and businesses claim efforts to protect fish are being put ahead of the financial concerns of traders in Aberfeldy.
Watermill Bookshop and Cafe owner Kevin Ramage said: “Astonished would be too gentle to describe my reaction to the email from PKC roads maintenance partnership.
“Notwithstanding the possible urgency of the work, we demand that councillors put an immediate embargo on the works until proper consultation is carried out with local communities.
“It would appear salmon have more rights than us. The fish have been consulted. Now it is the turn of local people to be meaningfully consulted when dozens of jobs are being placed at risk in what is a very fragile local economy which has recently lost Councillor John Duff at Cultullich Burn
Fishers Laundry and Barhaul Building supplies.”
Councillor John Duff, new representative for Highland ward, supported the urgency of the stabilisation work.
But he added: “I fully understand the significant concerns of the business community and many others in Aberfeldy and the surrounding district.
“I am currently exploring all options with the engineers to see what can be done to lessen the impact of these
repairs, including seven-day working by the contractor.”
Independent Highland ward councillor Xander McDade said: “I’m very concerned about the effect on local businesses that the closure of the main A road into Aberfeldy and West Highland Perthshire will have.
“Local business owners have already been raising concerns around the length of the closure and around, ensuring that the consultation process ensures their views are taken on board.
“I’ve been involved in discussions around a number of other road closures in Highland Perthshire this year already with local businesses, residents and council officers, where we have been able to reach a reasonable resolution for all parties.
“I’m hopeful that we will be able to achieve that here and we can hopefully reduce the length of time it is closed for.”
Aberfeldy residents, all ASBA and community council members and Cllrs Duff, McDade and Williamson have been invited to tonight’s meeting.