An impassioned plea has been made to Scotland’s First Minister for a start date on the long-awaited A90 Laurencekirk flyover.
Long-term campaigner Jill Fotheringham took her 11-year fight to the full Angus Council on Thursday and stated her community’s case for a grade-separated junction between the dual carriageway and the A937 to Marykirk.
Earlier this summer a flyover was identified as the solution to the issues facing drivers at the accident black spot.
No indication was made, however, as to where money would come from, or when work would commence.
Montrose councillor David May submitted a motion calling on the chief executive to press Nicola Sturgeon and Holyrood for firm details.
The motion was backed by all 23 councillors in attendance, including the provost.
Ms Fotheringham asked to address councillors at the meeting in the Town and County Buildings in Forfar.
She said: “We in Laurencekirk were always used to hearing the sirens and thinking about the junction where our loved ones were, the relief when we found out they were safe, and the guilt when we found out it was someone else’s loved one.”
Ms Fotheringham recounted the circumstances of several deaths in accidents at the junction and the impetus for her campaign.
“It is true since the speed limit was reduced there have been no deaths but in our view this has been nothing short of a miracle.
“Over the years we have been fobbed off with reason after reason why there was no need for one.”
The Scottish Government previously said discussions were under way with its partners on the next steps for the project, including matters around funding.
Mr May said any dithering on a junction would also impact on future jobs, with the proposed Montrose business park in jeopardy unless the junction is upgraded.
He told councillors: “As the Scottish Government has accepted the need for a flyover, I believe it is imperative to begin work as soon as possible, hence the motion today.”
The motion was seconded by Councillor Ronnie Proctor, who spoke of the deaths prevented by the addition of grade separated junctions to Forfar and Kirriemuir on the A90.
He added: “The delay in building the flyover is likely to lead to a threat to jobs in Angus, but I feel the most important factor is safety.”
The motion was welcomed by councillors Myles, King and Smith, who congratulated Ms Fotheringham on her “unwavering” campaign.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said it is “too early” to set a timescale for delivery of the junction.
She added: “The Scottish Government remains committed to delivering a grade separated junction at Laurencekirk. Following the transport minister’s productive meeting with local councils last month, we have held discussions as a first step towards bringing together all the partners involved to form a co-ordination group.
“The minister was clear that the group will have a ‘can do’ approach and that all members must work together and push forward the scheme to ensure it is delivered for the benefit of road users and the local community in Laurencekirk.”