Praise after Forth bridge protests win concessions

Protesters lobbying against plans to build a new £2.3 billion bridge across the Forth have been praised for winning "significant gains" from ministers.

However, the convener of a Holyrood committee set up to examine the project said issues could have been resolved sooner if government had been "willing to share information and make concessions earlier".

Despite that, members of the Forth Crossing Bill Committee welcomed Transport Scotland's commitment to address local concerns, including providing a 24-hour project helpline and a new community council forum.

Matters such as construction noise and vibration will be controlled under a code of practice.

Committee convener Jackson Carlaw said: "We commend the objectors for their engagement with the process of primary legislation and for winning significant gains from ministers.

"We are satisfied the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland have recognised the need to maintain continued dialogue with those affected during construction."

The committee is scrutinising the Forth Crossing Bill, which must be approved before the new bridge can be built. In a report yesterday, members said that, since they gave their backing to the general principles of the legislation, there "appears to have been a great deal of interaction with objectors".