Campaign threatens new delays to city bypass

A DECISION by anti-bypass campaigners to mount a fresh legal challenge against the £400 million Aberdeen western peripheral route sparked a furious public outcry yesterday.

Last month it appeared that the way had finally been cleared for construction work to begin on the 28-mile bypass after Court of Session judge Lord Tyre threw out an appeal by protest group RoadSense that had delayed the scheme by a further six months.

But yesterday RoadSense announced plans to press for further legal action, revealing that they plan to appeal to the Inner Court of Session over the way the route was chosen – provided they can again have their exposure to legal costs capped.

Anne Robertson, the leader of Aberdeenshire Council, said: “I am frustrated and disappointed that this project will face further delays. It is an essential road infrastructure project that will benefit visitors, residents and future investment. “

Tom Smith, chairman of the local economic forum ACSEF, said: “The fact that in just four days, well over 7,000 people have signed a petition for this appeal to be dropped is further proof, if needed, of the support for the route.”