Community council update MSP on ambitious path plans
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Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Karen Adam recently met representatives of Invercairn Community Council at the Cairnbulg Library to hear about plans for an extensive cycle and footpath project.
The aim of the meeting was for the MSP to receive an update on the group's activities to support the local area.
This included a significant presentation on the proposed cycle and footpath stretching from Cairnbulg to Fraserburgh, along with an update in terms of the ongoing engagement and applications made around the project, involving work with Aberdeenshire Council officers and the planning team.
Ms Adam said: "It was wonderful to hear of this exciting and ambitious plan which I know has been under consideration some four or five years now and was inevitably stalled by the pandemic.
"It is great to see the proposal brought back to life and I feel this is very much part of the post Covid agenda in terms of building up and promoting sustainable and active travel in our area.
"It sits well amongst other smaller scale schemes in the constituency which emphasise connectivity between areas, but also crucially assists with the health and wellbeing aspects of programmes now and for future generations.”
With the planning process under way, the community council is looking at stakeholder engagement, options and funding opportunities with regard to this extensive project which is, and will continue to be, part of the group's Community Action Plan.
The scheme builds upon proposals in pre-pandemic masterplans with further work under way concerning land use, engineering support and guidance around major funding applications.
Ms Adam added: “I am very impressed by the work carried out to date in terms of this proposal which is still at a relatively early stage.
"I am fully supportive of the work of the community council members who are well known for their ability to produce results on behalf of the folk they represent.
"My ear will always be open to them as to how these infrastructure proposals develop and with due consideration of the feasibility, delivery and, not least, costs associated with the project.
“Partnership work is crucial and I look forward to working with local members of Aberdeenshire Council, as well as the remarkable people that are on the community council to provide support.
"Ultimately, much will depend on the council and the engagement over planning, maintenance and land ownership, but the project is definitely worthy of serious consideration.”
