Perthshire Conservatives Councillor John Duff and Murdo Fraser MSP have welcomed Network Rail’s change of heart on closing a road in Pitlochry following comments made by the two politicians.
The rail company had originally planned to close the bridge that crosses the railway on the A924 at Atholl Road, near the entrance to Dysart Brae, for five days from August 8, but have re-thought their plans and will now be carrying out survey work on the bridge on Atholl Road between 8pm to 6pm on August 8 and 9, with traffic lights in place during this time.
Commenting, Councillor Duff, who represents the Highland Ward, said: “I am very pleased that Network Rail have taken on board the concerns I raised with them on behalf of local businesses and residents. The overnight works now proposed will have very little impact on the town and there is no danger of them causing a trading loss at what is the busiest time of the year for the local economy. I am extremely grateful to Network Rail for listening to our concerns and for making these changes.
“Further works will be carried out later in the year and I will be liaising with Network Rail to ensure that these are undertaken at a more appropriate time and with the minimum of inconvenience.”
And Mr Fraser, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, added: “This will be a great relief to businesses and residents in Pitlochry as it would have hit them during a busy time for the tourist season. I’m glad Network Rail have seen sense after we raised our concerns about this proposed road closure.
“I am very pleased that we have this positive outcome to the issue.”
Network Rail have said that the work is part of their planned improvements to the Highland rail line.
