Issued: 6 February 2012

Roads Investment Still a Priority

Investment in roads will once again be a priority in Angus Council's budget.

Speaking ahead of Thursday's budget meeting (9 February) the council's roads spokesperson councillor David May said: "Residents told us quite clearly during the budget consultation that they didn't want to see any slowing down in road maintenance. So despite finances being tight we are not proposing any reduction in the maintenance budget this year," said councillor May.

"In fact we have reviewed our savings proposals and, just as we have in all of our previous budgets, we will be putting more money in the pot for maintenance. Further investment in the roads infrastructure will also be delivered through the capital programme this year.

"For example work will start next week on the £2.1 million realignment on the A92 at Hawkhill and Courthill bends, known locally as Big Tree bends. Also this month work totalling almost £400,000 will get underway, to realign the A935 Brechin to Montrose road at West Broomley and Balwyllo.

"I am delighted to see these important and much anticipated projects coming to fruition as they will contribute to the overall safety of these rural routes."

The convener's comments were made on the day major carriageway reconstruction works also started on the Dundee Road in Arbroath, a maintenance project welcomed by Infrastructure Services vice-convener councillor David Fairweather.

"This is essential maintenance work which will make a big improvement to the entrance to the town," said councillor Fairweather.

"However, as is often the case with maintenance projects on busy routes, the long term improvement can't be achieved without short term inconvenience. In this case the road will be closed for some weeks so I would ask people to bear with us as this necessary work is carried out."