Leaders hit out at tram road closure

Published on 02/07/2012 12:00

CITY opposition leaders have expressed anger after the last-minute closure of a road in west Edinburgh because of ongoing tram works.

A section at the junction of Roseburn Street and the Western Approach Road was closed suddenly on Saturday and Sunday, causing delays as drivers were forced to take detours.

Councillors were furious after discovering the city’s traffic review panel considered an application by contractors last Monday to close the road.

They said this was after being told by tram bosses on the same day that no further closure would be required. They added that they were only informed of the measure by email on Thursday afternoon.

Jeremy Balfour, Conservative member for Corstorphine and Murrayfield, said: “I am very disappointed that yet again the consultation and communication strategy on this has failed.”

Paul Edie, Liberal Democrat member for Corstorphine and Murrayfield, said: “I now have no confidence that what I am told about the trams will actually happen.”

A spokesman for Edinburgh Trams said: “A review of communications is under way.”