Scottish Conservative representatives have called on the SNP Government to ensure that a permanent solution is finally found for the Rest and Be Thankful.
The calls from local MSP’s Maurice Corry and Donald Cameron, alongside Councillors Alastair Redman and Barbara Morgan have reacted to plans that have seen eleven options drawn up in order to finally confirm a preferred route option for the notorious route.
Among the options being considered are bridges and tunnels, with a consultation period lasting until October 30th with the local communities.
With almost £80 million having been spent on temporary repairs on the road, that have ultimately failed to fix the issues, the Scottish Conservative representatives have urged the SNP Transport Secretary to ensure the preferred option doesn’t mean more money is wasted.
They have said that when the preferred route is chosen next spring, it must be fully operational within two years, in order to sustain jobs and livelihoods in the region.
Commenting, Donald Cameron MSP said: “Ever since I was elected, the constant issues surrounding the Rest and Be Thankful is a subject I have brought up time and time again with successive SNP Transport Ministers.
“Finally, it appears they are listening to concerns and driving forward some concrete options for local people to consider.
“With over £80 million wasted on failed fixes, the preferred route option that is chosen, simply must deliver a permanent solution that makes the Rest and Be Thankful fit for purpose once and for all.”
Commenting, Maurice Corry MSP added: “The Rest and Be Thankful is an iconic route, but all too often recently that has been for the wrong reasons.
“The need for a permanent solution on this route has never been more urgent and at least now we have a variety of options to fully consider.
“The region’s jobs and livelihoods depend on this route being open and functional and all too often that hasn’t been the case with constant closures and major diversions.”
Kintyre and Islands Council Alastair Redman said: “I would fully encourage local people to feed into this consultation and make their voices heard.
“We need to ensure that the right choice is chosen in conjunction with the local communities and people who will be using this newly designed route day after day.
“The Rest and Be Thankful for too long has been beset with poor repair work and the time has now come for that to end.”
Lomond North Councillor Barbara Morgan added: “This really is the chance to fix the Rest and Be Thankful once and for all and end years and years of misery for residents and visitors who have had to endure this route.
“With a range of options on the table, local people must be fully engaged at all times, especially over the initial consultation period over the next month and I would encourage all my constituents to do so.
“Here’s hoping this finally delivers a road we can all be proud of using.”
