NORTH AYRSHIRE Council’s Labour Group has blasted the SNP over the proposed Dalry bypass.

But the SNP’s MSP Kenny Gibson hit back by claiming the group “have a real brass neck” – because Labour were opposed to the much-hoped for bypass.

At the full council meeting on December 17, Kilwinning Labour Councillor Donald Reid demanded to know why the Dalry Bypass had not commenced, as promised by MSP Kenny Gibson in 2012 Councillor Reid cited a press release from the MSP, promising that preliminary work would be started on the bypass in 2012.

He asked why the SNP Government had broken its promise – and why the SNP administration in Irvine had let the matter drift on so long.

Councillor Reid pointed out that the Scottish government had a £440million underspend on its budget.

But he claimed that, even so, the Dalry Bypass, which was set to be well under way in 2014, remains without a committed budget.

In reply, SNP Council Leader Willie Gibson said that could not confirm if finances were in place or when work might start.

Councillor Reid went on: “This was a very specific promise by Kenny Gibson. He even said that the money was in the roads budget to cover three years working on the bypass, but it seems he never really meant it.

“He has certainly failed to deliver.

“Frankly, it’s not good enough that the SNP Council Leader cannot confirm if finances are in place or when preliminary work might start.

“This promise was made almost three years ago”.

“The Labour Group on North Ayrshire Council sees this as the most important infrastructure project for the regeneration of North Ayrshire.

“A Dalry Bypass would be key to unlocking the potential of the whole Garnock Valley, Irvine, and the Three Towns to inward investment and job creation.” “The SNP say that they also prioritise economic development, but their shocking neglect in this matter tells another story.” NAC Labour Group leader Councillor Peter McNamara added: “This is a shocking story of neglect and empty promises from the SNP at Irvine and Holyrood.” “I would call on the SNP in Irvine to wake up to their responsibilities and pursue the promises given all those years ago by their colleagues in Edinburgh. North Ayrshire deserves better than this from the SNP”.

But this week, MSP Kenny Gibson hit back at the Labour claims, insisting: “I am astonished that the Labour Party is so ill-informed on such a high profile local issue.

“Firstly, they have a real brass-neck complaining about the Dalry Bypass not being built when they voted against it in Parliament! If the scheme is given the go ahead – and I will press ministerial colleagues to approve it – the programme for future progression will then be set.

“Given the tendering and procurement processes it is likely to therefore be 2016 before work begins on this important £28million infrastructure development – one which will both improve the quality of life in Dalry and attract new developments into North Ayrshire by enhancing connectivity. “Despite Labour’s bluster, people know it is the SNP, not Labour, that will deliver the much needed Dalry Bypass.” He added: “Councillors Reid, McNamara and co seem blissfully unaware that the reason construction did not start on site in 2014 – a year after draft compulsory purchase orders were published – is because of a Public Local Inquiry that is taking place, following objections from nine households and a statutory objection from Network Rail. “The Inquiry began in September and the objectors have until January 31 to submit their closing submissions, after which the Reporter will submit her recommendations to Scottish Ministers, probably in early spring.

“The timetable for the Dalry Bypass is therefore subject to completion of the necessary statutory procedures.

Mr Gibson added: “Regarding the alleged ‘underspend’, they clearly don’t know that £299million of that figure reflects variances in annually managed expenditure programmes and other non-cash accounting budgets.

“Those are resources over which the Scottish Government has no discretion; we cannot decide to spend it in any other way.

“The underspend we control is £145 million, which is less than 0.5 per cent of the Scottish budget, or less than two days cash resource.” The MSP concluded: “I think most people would describe that as prudent budgeting.”