Highland Council is accused of 'fraud' over move to rid Academy Street of private vehicles
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Highland Council has been accused of “fraud” and behaving like a “dictatorship” after members voted to ban private vehicles from Academy Street.
Altogether the £800,000 revamp of has stirred controversy as the local authority wants to bid for government cash for improvements to the city centre.
But businesses feel it was agreed without full consultation and the local authority’s reputation with businesses in the city seems to have hit an all time low.
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Councillors insisted there had been a consultation however the proposal to remove all but blue badge holders, taxis, buses, delivery vans was not put directly to businesses.
Those against the move include national giants like Marks and Spencer, local organisation Inverness BID, Gavin Stevenson of the Mor-Rioghain Group, Eastgate Centre manager Jackie Cuddy to name a few.
'Fraud'
One company has already submitted a legal challenge and Scott Murray who runs Cru Holdings, which operates Bar One, the Keg and the Whitehouse, is now considering his options, saying: “On the face of it they appear to have broken the law.”
He said: “This isn’t about whether or not Academy Street should be closed. It is about people elected to run the city objectively and without bias refusing to fulfil their legal obligation to consult with businesses and the public prior to taking a vote on a matter.
“Overnight we have gone from a democracy to a dictatorship and a future like that not only scares me, but no doubt scares any company looking to invest in the area.
“The council have stated that a majority of people consulted on this were in agreement. However it has NEVER been consulted on! That is fraud. Pure and simple.
“Should anyone reading this make a false declaration on a housing application, a business rates return or anything similar, they would be prosecuted. And rightly so.
“So why should the custodians of this city be allowed to push an agenda illegally without reprisals? On the face of it they appear to have broken the law and if so, must be held to account.”
Funding opportunity for Highland Council
The leader of Inverness and area Councillor Ian Brown said: “The city of Inverness area committee has agreed that council officers can continue public consultation on the preferred development Option B including the detail of any required traffic orders.
“The proposals aim to ensure the best opportunity for Highland Council to attract external construction funding and promote an ambitious vision for the city centre.
“A redesigned Academy Street will support positive behavioural change towards more sustainable travel and therefore make a positive contribution to reducing Highland’s carbon footprint and support the council’s response to the climate and ecological emergency.”
Everyone should share their thoughts
Elsewhere the news was welcomed by Sustrans Scotland which is administering the Places for Everyone fund the council wants to bid into for the changes to the street.
Portfolio director Carole Patrick said the move was exciting but called for an in-depth consultation saying it will “strengthened by hearing as many voices as possible, so we encourage everyone to share their thoughts.”
“We’re excited to see the new designs for Academy Street and are looking forward to hearing the views of people living and working in the area,” she said.
“By delivering changes which put people first, this project aims to make walking, wheeling, and cycling in Inverness city centre easier and more accessible than ever.
“The consultation will be strengthened by hearing as many voices as possible, so we encourage everyone to share their thoughts.”
