An announcement that £500,000 of extra funding will be allocated to Argyll and Bute Council’s winter maintenance budget has been welcomed by local politicians Donald Cameron MSP and Councillor Alastair Redman.
The additional funding has been allocated as part of the 2019/20 budget for Argyll and Bute Council which was formally backed during a marathon budget meeting on Thursday.
The extra sum builds on the £15m extra invested in the road network last year, and with a focus to keeping Argyll and Bute open for business during the harsher months of the year.
The entire financial package, which has been described by the local authority as a “responsible budget” will also see £2m extra spending for the Health and Social Care Partnership and £120,000 to bring the Royal National Mod to Oban in 2023.
Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron said:
“This is a responsible budget from Argyll and Bute Council.
It is clear that they recognise the importance of keeping local roads clear and open so that people can get around, businesses can transport goods, and people can continue to visit the area from further afield.
It is also clear that the Council value local health and social care services, and I strongly welcome the funding to bring the Royal National Mod to Oban which will be very important for the local economy.
Despite SNP Government cuts, Argyll and Bute Council have been able to prioritise spending on important services, and this should be commended.”
Cllr Alastair Redman (Kintyre and the Islands) said:
“I am delighted to have played my part in making sure our Council administration will be funding an extra £500,000 for winter maintenance across Argyll & Bute. I have received numerous justifiable complaints from my constituents about the lack of grit on icy roads and regular flooding in some areas.
Since coming onto the administration the Scottish Conservatives have looked to prioritise key local issues such as dealing with our roads and investing in health and social care.
The SNP regularly like to challenge us to make such financial commitments, and following the budget last week I can truly say that we are responding to the wishes of local residents.
With all that said, the cuts made by the SNP Government will make it harder going forward to maintain the high standards that we have in Argyll and Bute, and they need to realise that rural authorities such as ours need that extra support.
While this extra £500,000 will not meet all of the challenges facing our road network in the winter, it is a massive step in the right direction. I would like to extend a huge thanks to my constituents and the local press for helping highlight this problem and bring about this positive result.”
