City bypass U-turn is ruled out

A U-TURN on the controversial multi-million pound route of the Inverness bypass has been categorically ruled out by a senior member of the council’s ruling administration.

Councillor Thomas Prag insists there is no reason to reconsider the planned west link between Dores roundabout and the A82, despite mounting public concern about the loss of the Bught rugby pitches and part of Torvean golf course.

In a letter to The Inverness Courier today, the chairman of Highland Council’s planning, environment and development committee dismisses the "myths" that have developed about the project and warns of the consequences of going back to the drawing board.

"I don’t see any reason or process to cause a U-turn," he said. "There is no possible reason at the moment to reconsider it.

"We need to get on with this. The city needs a solution. If we were to put this on the shelf again, it would be another 10 or 20 years before anything happens."

An on-line petition protesting against the plans has attracted almost 250 signatures and John West of the West Link Protest Group argues that the controversial route — Option 6 — is already "dead in the water". Instead he wants a direct crossing of the River Ness and Caledonian Canal which would avoid the loss of sports grounds.

But Councillor Prag believes people need to get behind the chosen route, which has been costed at £27.2 million, excluding the promised new sports facilities, and is designed to ease city centre traffic congestion.

"It’s terrific that people are so passionate because it’s a city we all care about," he said. "We think we have been as fair and as thorough as possible in choosing a route, so it would be great if people could talk about the positives rather than trying to put the project back yet again."

Councillor Prag, who celebrated his 66th birthday this week, added: "I would like to be able to use this route in my lifetime."

Mr West remains convinced that a high level bridge, priced by the council at £67.8 million, is a better option and would have the public’s full backing.

"It is a new year and we need to have a new start," he said.

"What is required is the combining of effort and ingenuity by the council recognising that the route needs to revert to the original line, by whatever means. The people of Inverness can then combine with those who purport to represent them, MPs, MSPs and the Scottish government, to devise a funding package to allow the original route to be re-instated.

"With all of these parties working to a common goal, we can achieve this objective."

Eight routes were initially considered, ranging in price from £23.5 million to £75.5 million. Option 6 involves the building of a low-level bridge over the River Ness, a new swing bridge over the canal and requires the relocation of Highland Rugby Club, part of Torvean golf course and the Inverness Blitz Academy of American Football.

Bore holes are currently being drilled along the route and a development brief is due to be released in March.

Chartered accountant Donald MacKenzie, who launched the online petition last month, says this provides the council with an opportunity to reassess its decision.

"The councillors need to hope the bore holes come up with some nasty suggestions of things they don’t want so they can step away without embarrassment," said Mr MacKenzie, of Crown Drive.

"If they reviewed it they could decide on a sensible route and start building in a couple of years. Frankly, I’d prefer no route to the one chosen."