Councillors have been urged to ignore warnings about a potential tragedy on a “dangerous” Moray road and reject calls for safety measures to be installed.
Residents in Dufftown and Keith claim that a barrier needs to be installed on the B9014 between the two towns to prevent cars plummeting 60ft should they veer off the road at a tight bend.
Parkmore Brae, near Drummuir, was previously filled with trees that acted as a “natural barrier”.
But they were cut back by the landowner more than a year ago, leading to fears that motorists could end up at the foot of a huge embankment if they come off the carriageway.
More than 650 locals signed a petition asking Moray Council to erect safety barriers at the bend.
However, council officers were not moved by their argument and suggested spending £30,000 on it could create a “costly precedent”.
The matter will be decided by a vote during Wednesday’s meeting of the full council in Elgin.
Officers have restated their opposition to the request in a report which will go before elected members.
They argue that risk assessments have been performed which estimate that the bend poses no more threat than many others like it in the region.
Transport manager, Nicola Moss, stated: “There is a clear concern from the community about the safety of this
road, however the evidence does not support the need for a safety barrier.
“If a barrier were to be provided then there are other locations where barriers have been requested which could also be considered, at a total estimated cost of £325,000.”
Last night, Moray MSP Richard Lochhead pleaded with councillors to prioritise local concerns above the directions they had received from officers.
Mr Lochhead said: “I have been contacted by many people in the community who are extremely concerned about road safety at Parkmore Brae.
“Anyone who travels the road will understand why there has been such strong support for the campaign for a safety barrier.
“Having raised this issue with the council’s chief executive and with the local police on a number of occasions, I hope that councillors will listen to the community and road users and vote to install a barrier.”