By Claire Warrender and Bruce Fegen

FIFE COUNCIL has given a cautious welcome to the Executive’s commitment to a new £1 billion Forth crossing.

However, the local authority has stressed there are still a number of questions to be answered and called for the next stage of the debate to be concluded quickly.

Throughout the decision- making process, the council has remained steadfast in its view that a new multi-modal crossing, in addition to the existing road bridge, was the only way forward.

Yesterday, environment and development spokesman Councillor Mike Rumney said it was vital that work got under way as soon as possible.

“A new crossing is needed and at last we have a decision from the Cabinet which is a welcome relief, but obvious questions still remain over funding and tolling, tunnel or bridge and in fact whether this will be a replacement or additional crossing,” he said.

“While the existing bridge does have its well-documented problems, let’s not write it off just yet. It has played an important and iconic role in east central Scotland for 43 years and may well still have a role to play in conjunction with an additional multi-modal crossing.”

Mr Rumney added, “It is our hope in Fife that the next phase of debate, consultation and decisions will be thorough but taken swiftly as we have a limited time frame before we face restrictions on the existing bridge.

“And let’s not forget the wider issues of improving public transport to help people make the change to more sustainable forms of travel.

“It’s time to get this process moving and see some real action before Fife and east central Scotland literally and economically grinds to a halt.”

David Chalmers, chairman of the Fife branch of the Federation of Small Businesses, also welcomed the announcement.

“I am delighted that at long last the Executive has come to a positive decision to go ahead, but I am still concerned at the delay in waiting for the final reports.

“The whole thing seems to be suffering from major slippage—2013/14 looks like being the cut- off date for HGVs and they must have something in place by then or Fife and the whole east of Scotland will be in big trouble.”

Mr Chalmers added, “At least the announcement gives us some hope that the problem has been recognised and they (the Executive) are doing something about it.”

Alan Russell, chief executive of Fife Chamber of Commerce, said, “We are obviously delighted that positive decisions are now being taken to address this important matter.

“What we need now is a more detailed timetable of the key stages this project is to go through so we can do everything we can to help it along.”

STUC assistant secretary John Park said, “This is a positive announcement from the Scottish Executive.

“Business and commuters across Scotland reliant on the current bridge will be pleased to see progress on a new crossing.

“The debate about the type of crossing must be informed, sensible and recognise the real concerns over the condition of the existing bridge.

“Most important of all, the Scottish public will rightly expect any new crossing to be delivered on time, in cost and by contractors with high standards of employment practice,” he added.