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Rhoda Grant
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I have stepped in to try and resolve concerns from constituents in Wester Ross after they learned that the Bealach Na Ba, Applecross- Kishorn road, which is part of the NC500 and climbs to 2053 feet will be closed for up to six weeks from March 26th,
I was contacted and advised that closing this route, which is part of a vital link between Applecross and Sheildaig /Lochcarron and the wider area, would cause real issues for the Applecross community in particular. There is the coastal route between Applecross and Sheildaig which can be utilised as an alternative, but this route takes much longer. The other issue is that this community relies heavily on tourism and I am advised that this iconic NC500 route will be closed over the Easter weekend. This would have a major impact on the local businesses without a doubt.
I have made contact with SSE who are laying fibre optic cable which is capable of carrying broadband services provided by other broadband suppliers along this route, which is a real positive step in relation to connectivity for those resident or working within the Applecross community and asked if these works could be managed to alleviate problems for the travelling public, especially over the Easter Weekend. I have also contacted Highland Council who hope to use the road closure period to attend to urgent and much needed road works on this route. The route will be open every night and at weekends I am advised. I have also established that the consultation has not yet commenced with consultation letters being drawn up now as they have to start the consulting period eight weeks before the works starts. All stakeholders should be receiving these letters next week.
At the end of the day for safety reasons the road will have to be closed during these works at daytime, Monday to Friday, but I have asked for consideration of the works to stop and the road be opened over the Easter weekend. This would only mean no work being carried out on Friday 30th March and Monday 2 April as the road will be open in any case on Saturday 30th and Sunday 1st April. I am delighted to learn from SSE that all options are on the table and if there is a strong view from the consultees that the road should be opened over the Easter weekend then SSE will seriously consider this request. What I would say to those concerned is to make sure they take advantage of the consultation period. Personally I would like SSE and Highland Council to keep the road open as much as is practically possible and if there were opportunities for it to be opened through the day to give the local community advance warning.
Stop Press: SSE have just advised that this road will not now close until Monday 9th April 2018