MP SECURES STRUCTURAL REPORT ON GOLSPIE ROAD

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 4th Jul 2002

Local MP John Thurso has won a long running battle to secure a copy of the findings of the structural inspection and vibration monitoring of properties in Main Street, Golspie. The report was commissioned by the Scottish Executive in response to complaints from the owners of properties adjacent to the road that following roadworks on the Main Street, excessive traffic-induced vibration was causing structural damage.

The MP said:

"This has been a very long and sad saga. From the outset, it was apparent to all in Golspie that the initial roadworks were of a poor standard. Remedial work undertaken during the 12 month maintenance period on manholes and gulleys did not bring the road up to an acceptable standard and such deficiencies are acknowledged in the report.

It is a shame that it has taken in excess of a year to persuade the Department to release a copy of the findings as I had made clear to the Minister that I was not asking for the release of material which touched on issues of commercial confidentiality. We all know this was a bad piece of workmanship and if Government wishes to be seen as both honest and accountable, it should be prepared to admit that mistakes have been made. The Minister has told me that "subjective appraisals" have been removed from the report and I would feel much happier if I, and most importantly those who believe their properties have suffered structural damage in consequence of the roadworks, had full sight of all that was said about the structural damage, and I shall continue to press for this".