The Scottish Conservative Highland Council Group are calling on the Transport Minister, Fiona Hyslop, to put an end to Highland Council's plans for ‘utter chaos’ on Academy Street.
Group leader, Councillor Ruraidh Stewart has written to Fiona Hyslop expressing concern over Highland Council's Academy Street Regeneration Project and the damage and disruption it will cause to local residents and businesses.
A recent Economic Impact Assessment exposed that Highland Council's plans for Academy street would have incredibly low benefit-to-cost ratio, with the Council only set to make 51p per £1 spent on the project.
Furthermore, a Traffic Impact Assessment revealed that the plans would lead to worse traffic flow, resulting in disruption for residents and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions - a clear contradiction of the projects aims.
The plans for Academy Street have already sparked serious concerns amongst locals, with 80% of businesses surveyed objecting to the proposals.
Group leader, Councillor Ruraidh Stewart labelled these plans as ‘foolish’ and ‘a reflection of the Council's lack of fiscal sense.”
Councillor Ruraidh Stewart said: "Conservative Councillors are committed to a thriving economy and we welcome investment that enhances connectivity and improves infrastructure across the Highlands. However, this proposal does not have the support of the local community, nor does it provide value for money.
“I have written to the Scottish Government to raise the serious and legitimate concerns of the local community and to ask that these serious concerns are taken into consideration when making any funding decisions regarding this bid.
“It is incumbent on all elected officials to ensure that public funds provide value and deliver real benefit to our communities.”
Councillor Stuart has also submitted a written question to the Council Leader calling for the administration to scrap the scheme.
Councillor Helen Crawford said: “I have previously called for a pause on this scheme and for there to be genuine and meaningful engagement with the many traders and businesses who operate in and around Academy Street. Highland Council should not second guess the impact that a change in footfall will have on those businesses and jobs.
“This consultant report lays bare the reality and frankly, vindicates what the traders have been telling us all along.
“We all want to improve Academy Street but not in the face of such overwhelming evidence clearly showing it is neither value for money nor likely to alleviate congestion across Inverness."