Tram boss hits back over 'not my problem' claims

Published on Tuesday 11 August 2009 09:52

TRAM boss Richard Jeffrey today defended himself against suggestions he told traders in Leith that delays to work in the area were "not my problem".

Leith Business Association, which represents local traders in one of the areas hit hardest by the tram works, said the TIE chief executive Richard Jeffrey made the comment during a visit to inspect the ongoing works for himself.

When it was pointed out to Mr Jeffrey that the impact of delays was being borne by local businesses and residents for something that was 'not their problem' Mr Jeffrey is alleged to have responded: "It's not my problem, either."

Lothians SNP MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville responded yesterday by saying: "It beggars belief that the man in charge of the tram project thinks ongoing delays to utility works are not his problem.

"If they are not his problem, perhaps he can tell us exactly whose problem they are?"

However, a spokesman for TIE insisted the remarks had been "taken out of context" and referred to a statement from Mr Jeffrey regarding the "positive need for joint ownership of issues within the community".

In a statement, Mr Jeffrey said: "It is ridiculous to suggest that we are distancing ourselves from management and resolution of issues at local level. It is a misunderstanding of the context of the discussion."