A Moray action group established to ensure plans to dual the A96 from Inverness to Aberdeen do not disadvantage the region has called on the local authority to join its crusade.
The Forres A96 Dualling Action Group claims some routes being investigated by Transport Scotland as part of the mammoth project could bypass Forres and Elgin and shatter Moray’s economy.
The campaigners staged a public meeting over the weekend, where concerned residents learned of the risks certain route corridors could pose.
More than 150 people packed into Rafford Village Hall to inspect maps detailing the route option the group most vehemently opposes, which would direct traffic from Forres to Fochabers via the Pluscarden valley.
The group has slammed the option as “offering the area nothing but environmental damage and economic isolation”.
Now chairman Brian Higgs has appealed for Moray Council to take a firm stance against the possible design.
Mr Higgs said: “Our public event highlighted the need for a local strategy on the A96 dualling project.
“We urge Moray Council to not just sit back and wait for a fait accompli to be presented to them by Transport Scotland.
“What the people of Moray need is a proactive approach from the council, local businesses and other interested parties to develop the right A96 solution for the area.”
Yesterday Moray Council said it would be “premature” for the authority to offer any viewpoint on the plans until they had reached a more developed phase.
A spokesman said: “It is premature at this early stage for the council to express any view in terms of which route any realigned A96 might follow.
“Only high level route strategies have been prepared by Transport Scotland, and much more work will be required before the council can begin to take any meaningful view.”
The spokesman added that the council encouraged comments from local groups which would “help inform future discussions with Transport Scotland”.
Transport Scotland maintains that design work is far from finalised, and several route options are under consideration.
Last summer, monks at Pluscarden Abbey also voiced their objections to the route proposal which could send traffic past their peaceful countryside retreat.
Brother Michael de Klerk said the plans would have a “catastrophic effect” on their tranquil way of life.