An Aberdeenshire councillor who has been driving the campaign to dual the A90 road to Peterhead has launched a scathing attack on the Transport Minister.
Gillian Owen has led calls to upgrade the busy single-carriageway Ellon to Peterhead route for economic and safety reasons.
Now the Conservative councillor for Ellon and District has questioned Transport Minister Keith Brown MSP’s “vision” for the north-east.
In a letter to Mr Brown seen by the Press and Journal, she says: “Peterhead remains Europe’s largest white fish port, it is home to very significant oil sector supply industries and there are so many exciting new projects on the way including Carbon, Capture and Storage.
“All this information seems to have been ignored by you.”
Her intervention follows comments made by Mr Brown about transport links in the north-east, and in particular the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR).
Mr Brown described the new bypass as “a priority for the Scottish Government”, adding: “In terms of further consideration of the transport links between Fraserburgh, Peterhead and Aberdeen, Transport Scotland is working with Nestrans which is progressing a study.”
In her reply, Councillor Owen says: “It is really disturbing that a councillor like myself has sought answers from a more senior representative in government, yet all I am treated to is an history lesson on the AWPR.
“What concerns me more is your vision for the north-east and in particular the Energetica Corridor to Peterhead. It is the future I need your comments on, not the past.”
Last night a Scottish Government spokesman said it would respond to her letter in due course.
He added: “Looking to the future, the Scottish Government is addressing years of under investment in north east transport infrastructure and is delivering the dualled upgrade of the A90 between Balmedie and Tipperty along with the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, bringing an additional £6 billion to the north east economy, generating around 900 construction jobs, improving safety and cutting congestion for road users and local communities.”
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