Clash over council priorities

COMPLETING flood schemes on time and on budget is the main aim of Moray Council’s administration.

The Independent/Conservative group has published its priorities for the next five years, with an undertaking that budget allocations will match them.

Finishing flood schemes at Elgin and the River Findhorn and Pilmuir prevention measures at Forres at a cost of £130 million to protect homes and businesses tops the list.

Construction of the Forres scheme is expected to start later this year with a finish date in 2014.

Work is already underway on Elgin’s defences - the biggest flood scheme in Scotland - which is scheduled for completion in 2015.

Also included in the 12 point plan is a promise to promote the A96 corridor as a social and economic driver as well as a pledge to improve tourism marketing, which is seen as key to Moray’s economic growth.

Other areas the administration will be focusing on are wind turbines, homelessness, alcohol misuse, antisocial behaviour, community safety and integrating services for adults and children.

Council leader Allan Wright said: "Our priorities are all realistic and deliverable.

However, opposition SNP leader Councillor Pearl Paul slammed the list: "It lacks strategy, ambition and vision for Moray and fails to respond to many of the real issues facing Moray’s communities at this time."

Read the full story in 'The Northern Scot'.