Shetland Islands Council has agreed to improve its communications strategy for major road closures following an outcry from a community in the north mainland.
Residents in Vidlin only learned last week that the only route connecting the village with the outside world is to be closed for two weeks during working hours as of today to allow the local authority to carry out essential maintenance.
A notice displayed at the local shop was the only warning.
The closure of the single-track road will not only inconvenience commuters, it will also disrupt services such as Royal Mail and community care.
The B9071 will be closed over a stretch between Laxo and Skelberry between 9am-1pm and again from 1.30pm-4pm, Mondays to Fridays.
The council’s roads department had initially expressed surprise at the strength of local feeling but has accepted that communication of the road closures could have been better.
Resident Helen Erwood has been in regular contact with the roads department and has compiled a document which helps answering the most pressing questions.
She has also written an open letter to the three north mainland councillors urging them to ensure no other community is treated “with the same patronising contempt”.
Councillor Alastair Cooper said local people and businesses had every reason to be annoyed at the late advice.
He added: “The communication programme set out by Dr Erwood is robust and not onerous and I would support her proposal. The current system does not deliver.”.