A field owner who fears A82 relief road plans will leave her ponies homeless is demanding council chiefs explain why they have taken land swap negotiations off the table.
Susan Dick has been embroiled in a long-fought battle with West Dunbartonshire Council which wants to divert the relief road through her pony field which has been home to her beloved animals.
She says officers had proposed handing over council-owned land at Sheepfold in return but have now removed this offer.
Susan says she desperately needs a field for her chronically ill ponies and cannot accept the council’s alternative of a cash offer for the land.
She explained: “In March, we were of the opinion that we were working towards a field swap for two fields, one in the council’s ownership and one in private ownership. Negotiations for the privately owned land fell and we were told we’d have to wait two years for the council-owned land at Sheepfold. That then changed to five years.
“I asked a number of questions about the land, including access and testing the leaves, grass, fruit and water to ensure it’s suitable for my horses.
“It came as a shock when the council came back and said it was no longer on the table as I was looking for immediate entry and had rejected the offer.
“I categorically did not reject the land. The council know I need land for my ponies and have land which could be suitable and could maybe bring this debacle to an end.”
Susan, partner Graham Parton and Jim Thomson, planning convenor of Bowling Community Council, will quiz councillors at a full council meeting on Thursday.
Jim will ask: “Sheepfold is undoubtedly a more valid solution than the cash you are proposing. As you will be aware, Susan has continuously emphasised that she does not want money for her site - what she instead wants, and needs, is land for her ponies to ensure their continued good health.
“Not only would this be the better option for her, it would also be a much more inexpensive option for the council and therefore constitutes a more responsible use of taxpayer’s money.
“Could I therefore ask why Sheepfold, or indeed some other possible sites, cannot be back on the table for discussion?
“The council’s proposal to instead just buy her site with no regard whatsoever for the inevitable and significant negative impact this would have on the wellbeing of the ponies, and the loss of a service much valued by the local community, is extremely inappropriate.”
Susan launched a campaign to save her field more than four years ago after the council told her they would need the land as part of the £34million Glasgow City Region Deal development.
Tensions have been rising as both parties have so far failed to reach an amicable agreement.
Susan is also currently fighting the council for compensation over claims contractors accessed the site without permission and caused damage.
At a previous council meeting, Dumbarton councillor Iain McLaren said there was one occasion permission had not been granted and said the couple have been invited to make an insurance claim.
Susan added: “It is very distressing to myself on top of all the other events that have occurred and which some are now the subject of two insurance claims to be suddenly offered cash, which with no land on offer makes my ponies future and indeed their very lives uncertain.”
A council spokesperson said: “We have received Ms Dick’s open forum question. As per her request, this will be answered in full at the next council meeting on Thursday, August 26, which she has indicated she is attending.”
