Nearly a year after they initially agreed to work together to repair an unclassified road in Forres damaged by HGVs shifting topsoil, Moray MP Douglas Ross is once again calling on Moray Council and housebuilder Springfield Properties to honour their pledge and carry out the work as soon as possible.
Douglas was commenting after local residents complained that the surface of the C14e in the Rafford area was worse than ever with no sign of any work being carried out.
Douglas said: “I initially raised the issue on behalf of residents in 2020, after receiving complaints that access roads to their properties were badly damaged by heavy lorries moving topsoil from a site on Mannachie Road.
“Over the past year, residents have continued to report a deterioration of the road as more and more potholes have appeared on the C14e despite some initial repairs being carried out.
“I have continued to raise this with both the council and Springfield, but we are no further forward, with each blaming the other and stating they cannot take responsibility.
“The fact is, somebody has to. Residents are currently having to negotiate a road which was never designed to be used by heavy lorries and has been damaged as a consequence.
“I was pleased when Springfield and Moray Council agreed to work together to restore the local roads to at least the state they were in before this work started. Springfield has confirmed they are still willing to do this, however, they have been repeatedly asked when this work will be carried out but we are still waiting.
“Springfield have stated they are waiting for the council to get back to them as their sub-contractor has denied making the road any worse, while the council state it is not their responsibility and they don’t have any funds.
“This situation has caused significant disruption to people living locally, with reports of damage to vehicles due to potholes so someone must take responsibility and this road must be prioritised for repairs.”
Moray Councillor for Forres, Claire Feaver added: “I have been working with council colleagues for well over a year and had hoped the issue would have been resolved by now, but unfortunately this is not the case.
“As I understand, this is a matter for the landowner and developer to come to an agreement which will mean the road being reinstated to a condition acceptable for all residents affected.”
