‘Route will have green benefits’
Stirling Council defended its position on the road, arguing it would have environmental benefits.
A council spokesperson said:“The construction of the VLR will help create a city centre and neighbourhoods that work for residents, businesses and visitors.
“The new road will reduce traffic congestion that negatively impacts on historic streets, such as Dumbarton Road and Port Street, while enhancing tourist and retail uses within the city centre.
“The road will redistribute traffic to the south of the city centre, maintaining and improving access, while helping to relieve the Craig’s roundabout. It will also provide a new pedestrian and cycle route, which will all help commuters limit their carbon footprint and reduce pollution.”
The council’s environment and housing convener Councillor Jim Thomson added:“Can I suggest the Green Party and Tories on Stirling Council actually go and read the Local Transport Strategy and the Local Development Plan that they have both signed up to?
“There is no escaping from the fact the Tories voted in favour of the road while they were in administration a few years ago. This is nothing but sheer hypocrisy on the part of the Conservative Party now that they are no longer in control.
“The road is an enabler for other works to go ahead, it reduces pollution in two of our most polluted streets (Dumbarton Road and Port Street) and will allow us to improve cycling and walking in the south part of Stirling.”
Scottish Labour’s election candidate, Mary Kate Ross, said:“‘I don’t want to sound cynical, but when I see a Green candidate and a Tory candidate thick as thieves together, there must be a General Election happening. When you see a Tory MP at a protest, don’t think he is there to help you, because all he is doing is cynically stoking up division to win power.”