Aberdeenshire SNP Councillors Welcome AWPR Decision

Commenting on the decision by the UK Supreme Court to reject the appeal mounted by campaigners against the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR), SNP Shadow Council Leader Hamish Vernal and Ellon & District SNP Councillors Richard Thomson and Rob Merson have expressed their satisfaction with the decision.

Shadow Council Leader and Inverurie & District SNP Councillor Hamish Vernal said that the decision was a positive one for Aberdeenshire, which would allow work on the bypass and linked projects to get underway.

"I welcome the decision of the Supreme Court and the clarity of its judgement", he said. "This is a very good day for the North East. I hope that the objectors will respect the outcome of this judgement and that no further obstacles will be placed in the path of this vital piece of transport infrastructure."

Cllr Merson, who is also the Aberdeenshire SNP Group Spokesperson on Infrastructure, said that the decision would pave the way for work to begin.

"This project is one which is long overdue and I'm very pleased that the Supreme Court has upheld the earlier substance of the judgements of the Scottish Courts", he said.

"Businesses and commuters in the North East have been crying out for this road for years, which will transform travel times not just around Aberdeen City and Shire, but between the North of Scotland and the Central Belt. With faster and more predictable journey times, the North East will be able to compete on an equal footing for the first time with the rest of the country."

Ellon & District SNP Councillor Richard Thomson also welcomed the decision.

"I think this is a decision which will surprise no-one, except perhaps some of the anti-bypass campaigners, who seemed to be able to convince themselves despite earlier devastating court judgements against their case that their arguments retained any legal merit", said Cllr Thomson. 

"This project is much needed and much desired across all sections of North East society. This really must be the end of the road for objectors - it's time to get building."