Community watchdog awaits next Ineos move

At a packed meeting, which included three Falkirk councillors and MP Martyn Day, members of the community council agreed to wait for the petrochemical giant to make the next move over the future of the Bo’ness Road.

The 150-metre stretch of road, which had been temporarily closed since last year, re-opened at the end of March, despite Ineos insisting it should be closed permanently due to security issues and public safety.

GCC vice convener Walter Inglis said: “We don’t know what they are planning, it’s all smoke and mirrors at the moment, but they can’t just shut a major road without prior notice.

“They have thrown the pebble in the pond and are just waiting to see how far the ripples go.”

If Ineos wanted to close the road it would have to lodge an application to Falkirk Council – something it has not yet done.

According to council planners, Ineos would need to submit an application for planning permission for a development which required the stopping up of the road.

That application would need to be accompanied by a transport assessment showing the impact of the proposed closure.

If planning permission were granted, the company could then apply for a stopping up order, which would be subject to a consultation process.

GCC agreed to get in touch with Falkirk Council, requesting officers notify them as soon as Ineos lodge an application.

During the meeting it was stated the section of road had been narrowed considerably since it re-opened and was proving a challenge for some motorists to negotiate.