MSPs Should Fight Against Proposed Closure of Bo’ness Road
Mark Griffin MSP has called on all MSPs in Falkirk to fight the proposed closure of Bo’ness Road.
Mr Griffin lodged a parliamentary motion calling on ministers to listen to the views of the community and reject plans from Ineos to close a section of the road permanently. The proposals have been met with widespread opposition from local residents.
Mr Griffin’s motion has been supported by 6 Central Scotland MSPs, cross-party, however failed to get the backing of a single SNP MSP.
Mark said:
“The Scottish Government have a responsibility to stand up for local people and not simply bow to the interests of big business. Plans to close Bo’ness Road will have a detrimental impact on all those who use the road; it will add pressure to the surrounding road network and will increase journey times.
“The decision ultimately lies with Government Ministers. I have asked them to listen to the extensive opposition to the plans, recognise that the plans involve the closure of the main road connecting Bo’ness and Grangemouth and reject the proposal.
“Community activists have fought hard to keep the road open. My recent parliamentary motion opposing the plans received cross-party support, however it is deeply disappointing that it failed to get the backing of any SNP MSPs.
“I will continue to fight these unwanted proposals. SNP MSPs should get off the fence and do the same.”
Motion S5M-08237: Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
That the Parliament recognises the campaign by community activists in Bo’ness and Grangemouth who have fought against the closure of the A904 Bo’ness Road; notes that the A904 is the main road connecting Bo’ness and Grangemouth; understands that INEOS is seeking planning permission to establish an integrated site, which would result in the road being closed; further understands that the plans are being considered as a national development and INEOS has submitted an appeal to close the road directly to the Scottish Government; notes what it understands is widespread opposition to the proposals from local residents, including concerns that any closure of the road would have a detrimental impact on existing users, increase journey times and add pressure to the surrounding road network; welcomes that the appeal has been called in by the Scottish Ministers, and calls on ministers to respect the wishes of those local people in the communities of Bo’ness and Grangemouth, who have fought these proposals, and reject the plan.
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