Installation date for traffic lights at Brig crossing, Forres first mooted in 2015 delayed again until summer
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LOCAL councillors have reacted to confirmation that Forres is finally getting traffic lights at a busy crossroads.
Moray Council ‘s budget plans released last month include £192,000 for new signals at the junction of Orchard Road, St Catherine’s Road and Thornhill Road, more than seven years since the Gazette first carried a story about the dangers of crossing at the spot for young schoolchildren.
However, despite the local authority promising the installation by the end of the financial year (March 31) in a story last November, a spokesperson has now assured “installation is to take place this summer”.
Cllr Aaron McLean (Forres, SNP) acknowledged the delay but is happy the job appears to be finally going ahead.
He said: “These lights have been planned for a long time and would have been completed by now if not for the pandemic.
“I walk this junction numerous times-a-week.
“It can be very difficult for cars and pedestrians to navigate at certain times of the day so lights will provide more safety.”
Cllr Claire Feaver (Forres, Conservative) is also pleased to see that “something may actually be happening at Orchard Road”.
She said: “It has taken far longer than it should have. I want to see a plan that gives details of when the work is due to take place and when the lights will actually be operating, before we start celebrating!
“After years of cuts, the council’s basic capacity to undertake projects has been reduced.”
Cllr Lorna Creswell is hopeful the lights will be installed during the summer holidays.
She said: “This is a very busy road so having lights will provide a safer crossing, particularly for youngsters and families en route to school.”
Finally, Cllr George Alexander (Forres, Conservative) is also pleased and hopeful that the lights will be in place for school year 2022/23.
He said: “We have had many such promises - I will believe it when I see it.
“The great benefit to pedestrians, if they use the crossing properly, will be the fact that they have a safe crossing on St Catherine’s Road which is becoming ever busier.
“For motorists exiting from Orchard Road in particular, these lights will remove a considerable feeling of frustration.”
