The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Councillors appeal for way to maintain access
Two Highland Perthshire councillors have written to the leader of Perth and Kinross Council to express “grave concern” about the closure of the A827.
Independent Xander McDade and the SNP’s Mike Williamson co-signed a letter to local authority leader Murray Lyle, urging him to approve a Bailey bridge or temporary road for the duration of the repairs.
This has not been included in the funding for the Cultullich burn repairs so the two opposition councillors are calling for money to be taken from reserves.
The letter said: “It is our view that the closure of this main arterial route across Highland Perthshire would be devastating for local businesses, who have already experienced an incredibly high number of local road closures this year.
“Aberfeldy has already lost a number of businesses in recent times. These losses have hit the town hard and the economy is already fragile.”
As well as the impact on local businesses through loss of trade, they highlighted the risk of lorries and fuel tanks being unable to access Aberfeldy due to the narrow diversion, as well as the dangers of school buses having to take the route.
Councillor Angus Forbes, convener of environment and infrastructure, said officers are trying to find a way to maintain access.
“The feedback received directly and via ward councillors is now being considered, including exploring the costs of bringing in a temporary bridge to allow one lane of the road to remain open,” he said.