SNP MSPs have today called for an urgent end to delays over the tram works on Princes St as contractors continue to hold the project to ransom over delays.
Lothians MSPs Dr Ian McKee and Shirley-Anne Somerville also raised concerns over the impact of these delays on the future of the scheme and the ability of contractors to meet the 2011 deadline.
Dr McKee also condemned the hypocrisy of Conservative MSPs who are now trying to distance themselves from a project they inflicted on Edinburgh’s businesses and residents.
Dr McKee said;
“Today TIE must show that it will not bow to blackmail, that not a penny more of taxpayers money will be given out and not a day more added to the disruption being inflicted on Edinburgh residents and businesses.
“Work had to start this month to ensure Princes Street was returned to its original state in time for the vital build up to Christmas. Now business is being told no deal means more delay and more disruption.
“The Conservatives sudden conversion to supporting the people of Edinburgh where they previously supported Labour and the Lib Dems in inflicting the tram system on this city is utterly shameless.
"The Tories can not wipe their support for Trams from their record – at the end of the day it is the votes of Tory MSPs that inflicted this chaos on Edinburgh and the city will not forget that.”
Fellow Lothians MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville added;
“The Tram project has been given its budget and there must be not a single penny more put into it. TIE's management ability has often been questioned including in allowing the delays that got us to this point - today they must show that they are in control not the contractors.
"Retailers are already suffering with streets like building sites – and Princes St noticeably short of shoppers this weekend – with the recession already hitting city streets further tram chaos is the last thing we need.
“A deal must be done today and the contractors brought under control so this can not happen again.”
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