Forres views sought on Nairn bypass

FORRES drivers have been urged to take part in a consultation about a bypass for Nairn.

Moray MSP Richard Lochhead says it is important for Forres folk to have their say.

The proposed road would be a dual carriageway that would take motorists around the Highland town. By contrast, anyone travelling between Forres and Inverness today must travel through its centre.

These plans would also see the A96 road from Nairn to Inverness dualled.

Moray Council member for Forres Irene Ogilvie and Moray MSP Richard Lochhead have said these would bring major benefits to Moray as journey times between Inverness Airport and the district would be cut.

"People in and around Forres are very much aware of the benefits of having improved transport links beyond Moray’s borders," said Councillor Ogilvie.

"I know many people who travel to Inverness for both work and leisure and the dualling of over 20 kms and a Nairn Bypass will bring a major reduction in journey times.

"It is vital to get the public’s views on the best route design and I would urge people to get online and check out the plans."

Mr Lochhead meanwhile emphasised that it was crucial for people in Moray to have their say on projects outside the district that could have an impact on them.

"For people in the west of Moray and elsewhere who regularly travel through Nairn, the benefits of a bypass and dualling from Nairn to Inverness are very significant indeed," he commented. "With the route proposals now published and comments being sought it is important that people in Moray who use the route, as well as those living along the section of the route make their views known.

"While it is important to see improvements within moray like the Fochabers/Mosstodloch Bypass it is equally important for many people in Moray to see improvements on the key routes from Moray to other parts of Scotland including elsehwere on the A96, the A95 and the A9."

He added: "We have a wide and varied range of businesses who rely on these reports to export goods and services, which in turn bring money back into the Moray economy and these projects are vital in securing long-term economic growth in our region."

To see the plans, click here.