A group of Aberdeen traders raises funds to contest controversial bus gate measures.

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A group of local businesses in Aberdeen is taking a stand against the city council’s controversial bus gate measures, raising over £20,000 to fund a legal challenge. Spearheaded by veteran shop owner Norman Esslemont, the initiative has garnered significant community support, with hundreds of residents contributing to the cause.
The traders believe that the traffic bans implemented by the council are fraught with legal loopholes, potentially forcing the council to abandon the scheme altogether.
Legal expertise backing local businesses
To navigate the complexities of this legal battle, the group has enlisted the services of Alasdair Sutherland, a partner at Burness Paull and an experienced planning lawyer.
Sutherland, who has nearly two decades of experience in the field, has previously challenged similar measures in Inverness, successfully overturning Highland Council’s contentious traffic bans. His involvement has instilled confidence in the local traders, who are determined to hold the council accountable for its actions.
Concerns over transparency and legal advice
One of the central issues in this dispute is the lack of transparency surrounding the legal advice provided to Aberdeen City Council. During a recent council meeting, members were only permitted to view a classified document briefly, leaving many councillors perplexed about the council’s legal standing. Sutherland has publicly criticized the council for its reluctance to disclose this information, suggesting that it indicates a weak legal position. He stated, “If the council is very confident in its position, then they should not have any problems explaining the advice that they have received.”
Community support and the path forward
The local traders’ campaign has received overwhelming support from the community, with over 440 pledges contributing to the legal fund. This grassroots movement highlights the significant public interest in the outcome of the bus gate measures. Sutherland has expressed a willingness to engage with the council to resolve the issue amicably before it escalates to a courtroom showdown. He emphasized the importance of open communication, stating, “It would be far better for the council if they just engaged with us properly now, rather than having everything aired out in court.”
As the situation unfolds, the traders remain hopeful that their legal challenge will lead to a reassessment of the bus gate measures and ultimately benefit the local community. With the backing of experienced legal counsel and strong public support, they are poised to make a significant impact on the future of Aberdeen’s traffic regulations.