Watchdog set up for Forth Replacement Crossing
MOVES are under way to ensure that Queensferry will have a say on local matters when work on the new Forth Replacement Crossing gets under way.
A "watchdog" group is being set up to monitor the impact the Forth Replacement Crossing will have on Queensferry and the surrounding area.
Community councils, residents' associations and other parties, have combined to form a working party that will attempt to lessen the impact of construction of the new crossing and its approach roads on communities on the south side of the Firth when work starts in 2011.
As well as Queensferry, areas directly affected by the works up to the proposed bridge completion date in 2016 will include Kirkliston, Newton and Cramond.
The new group plans to lobby Transport Scotland and members of the Scottish Parliament to ensure that the project does not inflict severe damage on the communities.
Tom Martin, chairman of the Queensferry and District Community Council, said: "The new working group is important in that it can reflect residents' concerns.
"It is supported by but is not part of the community council because its remit goes beyond our area. As construction is planned to take place until 2016, it will outlast at least two community councils. It is also the case that the community council has many other matters to deal with and the new bridge and its approach roads throw up so many issues that it could dominate our monthly meetings."
And Mr Martin added: "It is not too late for volunteers to come forward and join the working group as it needs to reflect a cross-section of the community."
Initially, the group will emphasise the need for improvements to the approach roads, and for consideration of residents' concerns about the site of the construction compound, as well as compensation for all those adversely affected.
It will also press for a direct link between the M9 and the new bridge to avoid putting further pressure on local roads and also to take heavy traffic away from Newton.
Other concerns include the location of the roundabout at Echline Corner.
It is also the intention that the access to the current bridge be retained, and that the bridge continues to be open to cars and light vans instead of being confined to buses and taxis, as is planned at the moment.
The working group includes representatives of the Queensferry, Newton, Kirkliston and Cramond community councils, a number of local residents' associations, the Queensferry Business Association and the Port Edgar Yacht Club.
editorial@journalandgazette.co.uk
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Monday 21 May 2012
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