Report on Academy Street must spark sensible decisions from councillors

Sir, – When new facts emerge, sensible people change their opinions.

The consultants paid to find reasons to support the Highland Council scheme for Academy Street have produced a damning report.

Despite trying to follow that brief, the report shows a project that would damage Inverness, giving poor return on cost, adding to emissions and extending journey times.

Will Highland councillors, who were told by council planners that shutting Academy Street to through traffic would cut emissions, now oppose the plan, on being told emissions would rise? Will Highland councillors, who were told by council planners that shutting Academy Street to through traffic would bring economic benefits, now oppose the plan, on being told the return would be only 51 pence in the pound?

Will Highland councillors, who were told by council planners that shutting Academy Street to through traffic would not see traffic problems elsewhere, now oppose the plan, on being told that Longman and other areas would be blocked at peak times?

Will Highland councillors, who were told by council planners that shutting Academy Street to through traffic would not damage businesses, now oppose the plan, on being told that trade would suffer?

The problem is how many councillors are “sensible”? How many will want to “circle the wagons” and fight on? Please councillors, listen to the facts from your consultants, even if you ignored and belittled those of us already stating these facts. The proposals would damage Inverness. Councillors should stop the plan now, instead of throwing more good money after bad.

Donald M MacKenzie, Inverness.

There are fears that the plans for Academy Street could hurt Inverness.