Attacked from both sides as hundreds object to new Forth bridge plans

Published on Thursday 28 January 2010 21:34

HUNDREDS of residents have objected to plans to build a new Forth road bridge, The Scotsman has learned.

Their concerns are included in group submissions among 90 objections to the parliamentary bill required to approve the 2.3 billion scheme – nearly double the 50 expected.

More than a dozen community groups and local authorities on both sides of the Forth, whose concerns include compensation and inadequate consultation, are among the opponents.

Holyrood officials have encouraged objectors to band together so they can be collectively represented during bill hearings.

The Scottish Government's Transport Scotland agency, which is in charge of the scheme, hopes the bill will be approved in spring next year, with construction starting later that year and the bridge opened at the end of 2016.

Ministers have said the new crossing is required because lorries may be banned from the existing bridge some time after 2017, if current work to halt its main cable corrosion fails.

MSPs yesterday established a committee to scrutinise the bill. It is expected to be chaired by West of Scotland Conservative MSP Jackson Carlaw, who will be joined by Dundee West SNP member Joe FitzPatrick, Central Scotland Liberal Democrat Hugh O'Donnell and Highlands and Islands Labour MSP David Stewart.

The Bridge Replacement Interest Group (South), or Brigs, an umbrella group of concerned locals, said at least ten community and residents groups south of the Forth had lodged objections.

Vice-convener Doug Tait said:

"We have many examples of Transport Scotland failing to consult properly, while they have paid lip service to concerns over the location, and the compensation procedures are complicated."

However, a Transport Scotland spokeswoman said: "Transport Scotland's ongoing public engagement has included significant and sustained consultation with affected communities. We remain committed to discussing objections and agree resolutions wherever possible, and parliament will be able to fully consider these issues as part of the parliamentary process."

&#149 Southbound traffic on the Forth Road Bridge was halted for 15 minutes yesterday lunchtime for emergency repairs to joints linking sections of the carriageway. Officials are now considering overhauling the joints, because the ride quality for vehicles is becoming progressively worse.