Businesses spared summer of misery

ABERFELDY: Roadworks delay welcomed by traders

People power has forced a council u-turn over plans which would have spelled disaster for Aberfeldy’s already-fragile economy.

Businesses feared they’d be cut off from their lifeline summer tourism trade.

Many claimed they would not survive the year if Perth and Kinross Council forged ahead with plans to close the A827 into town for nearly two months this summer to carry out bridge repairs.

Now they are celebrating after the local authority agreed to delay the work on the Cultullich crossing, allowing officers time to find a way to keep the road open.

Kenmore deli owner Henry Murdoch hailed it as a victory for people power and showed what could happen when a community was “all singing from the same hymn sheet”.

Environment and infrastructure convener Angus Forbes said postponing work till 2019 would allow officers to explore alternative options.

A rural Perthshire community has been saved from potential disaster after roadworks were pushed back to 2019.

Aberfeldy business owners feared they would not survive the year as Perth and Kinross Council planned to close the A827 into town for seven weeks to carry out bridge repairs.

The council has agreed to delay the work so officers can find a way to keep the road open.

It had been suggested the route would need to be shut from the end of August until October to stabilise the crumbling Cultullich crossing.

The proposal sparked an outcry from local businesses, who rely on the tourist trade to survive.

Henry Murdoch, owner of the Courtyard Delicatessen in Kenmore, hailed the U-turn as a victory for people power. “It’s fantastic news,” he said. “This will be sold as a political decision but it was absolutely a people’s decision.

“It just shows you what can be done when a community comes together, all singing from the same hymn sheet.”

The work must take place in summer due to the salmon spawning season and otters in the Cultullich burn.

Highland Perthshire councillors Xander McDade and Mike Williamson had lodged a motion to be debated by the council next week, saying the closure would be “unacceptable”.

Mr Williamson said: “Whilst I am sure people will welcome the reprieve, it is essential when this work is undertaken it is done with minimal disruption.

“We need assurances a baillie bridge or similar replacement is put in place by the council in order to maintain access for businesses, locals and tourists alike.

“It is clear that this will cost money but this is why the council maintains a reserves budget.”

The pair also co-wrote a letter to council leader Murray Lyle calling for him to intervene.

Mr McDade said: “It’s safe to say the community is very pleased.

“There has been understandable concern about the effect this would have on what is already a fragile economy.”

Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart also welcomed the news.

He said: “This is clearly due to the significant concerns raised by local councillors and the business community.

“Perth and Kinross Council must commit to putting in place a replacement crossing of some description which will keep this road open.”

Councillor Angus Forbes, convener of environment and infrastructure, said: “We have listened to the concerns raised. Postponing the work to 2019 will allow officers to fully explore the alternatives before engaging with elected members and the local community in advance of the work being undertaken.”

This will be sold as a political decision but it’s a people’s decision. HENRY MURDOCH, OWNER OF COURTYARD DELICATESSEN