Oban roadworks due to be concluded in weeks
COMPLAINTS about the length of time taken for Oban town centre improvements to be completed are being measured against the good work already done.
Councillor Roddy McCuish defended a few weeks’ work on the project as a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ to get things done.
But bus passengers and vehicle drivers are frustrated at the extra strain the works are placing on journey times.
Comments on The Oban Times Facebook page show townsfolk were unaware of any delay to the project.
Community councillor George Berry said: ‘This was supposed to be finished for July.
‘This was the official timeline. Let’s watch this space ... [ perhaps] not this summer.’
Fiona Barnett said: ‘The work should have been finished by July 8.’
While Facebook user Angus MacFadgen claimed the works should have been finished by June 21.
Mr McCuish defended the delay in the completion of the works.
He said: ‘We have taken the opportunity to add a few things into the scheme. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity; we have to make the most of it.’
He continued: ‘ The town looks fantastic, the best it has in years. It’s giving Oban a new lease of life. People here are excited about their prospects. We hope to see new shops, offices and, more importantly, job opportunities in the future.
‘The council is focused on improving our area, bringing in new people, new businesses, new jobs. Schemes like this have a huge part to play.
‘ We talked to local businesses, Bid4Oban, the disability forum and other key partners, and decided to add in a few extras on top of the original plans. It’s sensible to take advantage of this opportunity and get the additional work done, all within our original budget.’
A council spokesman confirmed: ‘By Tuesday July 5 Queen’s Park Place will be completed [and] the road will be fully operational.’
The additional work is set to be completed by mid-July. It includes extra bus shelters, dropped kerbs to disabled parking bays, travel information display boards in all five bus stops and a large travel information board for Station Square.