Inverness West Link – statement
Senior members of The Highland Council have reacted strongly and refuted “distasteful” claims that the Council was influenced by either Tesco or Tulloch in choosing the route for the Inverness West Link Road. They have also expressed their deep concern and disbelief at suggestions that the Council, over a period of 12 years, may have acted “dishonestly” and deny that they have acted in anything other than an open and transparent way in determining the chosen route.
Council Leader Drew Hendry (SNP) said: “To question the integrity of all the Councillors and senior officers who have examined and considered this matter over the past 12 years is highly regrettable, deeply offensive and probably actionable. The solution was chosen through a very comprehensive and extensive process. It was unanimously supported by 16 members of an all-party working group, by the 26 members of the City of Inverness Committee, the 22 members of the TEC Services Committee and then the 80 members of the Highland Council. Not with-standing the fact that the decision was actually taken by a previous Council, made up, in part of different councillors, the present Administration of the Council featured the commitment prominently in the Programme of Action which was unanimously supported by the Highland Council.”
He said: “The Strategic Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) considered in depth all the issues of safety, accessibility, economics, environment, risk and uncertainty and integration. It was this in-depth appraisal mechanism which determined the selection of the preferred option that was recommended to and accepted by the Council.”
Council Chief Executive Alistair Dodds said: “We have an excellent team of experienced officers and they have dedicated a huge amount of time and effort into progressing what is a vitally important project, not only for Inverness but for the Highlands generally. Consideration of the preferred option has been carried out in a thorough, professional, open and transparent way.”
Depute Leader Councillor David Alston (Liberal Democrat) said: “I am hugely disappointed by the distasteful accusations of ‘extreme dishonesty’, aimed at officials and councillors from 2001 to the present. We welcome public scrutiny and objectors to the Inverness West Link Road will have the chance to make their views known during our period of consultation and probably again at a public inquiry. If anyone thinks there has been dishonesty in this process they should submit a complaint to the police or Audit Scotland.”
Convener Jimmy Gray (Labour) said he too had complete confidence in the process and the decision made in the selection of the route and the means of crossing the river and the canal for the completion of the West Link Crossing.
He said: “I take strong exception to some of the suggestions and accusations being thrown about in these reports, which would appear to be based on some highly selective means of reporting. The contents of these reports are casting aspersions on the integrity of elected members and officials of The Highland Council going back over a period of 12 years and quite frankly deplorable.”
Leader of the Opposition Carolyn Wilson (Independent) said she too refuted the suggestion that successive Councils had been influenced by private developers.