Formartine area to see more than £1 million in environmental works
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A programme of work worth more than £1 million to be carried out in Formartine over the next year has been approved by councillors.
A report highlighting projects to be carried out by Aberdeenshire Council’s environment and sustainability service was recently considered by the Formartine area committee.
The local authority will put £240,000 towards improvements in Ellon as part of the Integrated Travel Town Project (ITT).
The work will include path upgrades at Carolineswells Wood, Castle Park and from McDonald Park to the Formartine and Buchan Way.
Repair work will also continue on the “deteriorating” Ythan viaduct located along the Formartine and Buchan Way.
Meanwhile, £10,000 will be spent upgrading pavements across Formartine to improve accessibility for all users.
Vital maintenance work will also carried out in cemeteries, parks and open spaces.
Members were told that £50,000 would be spent on phase two of the Oldmeldrum Meg Way path project.
The pathway will link Oldmeldrum with Inverurie and will be suitable for walkers and cyclists.
Meldrum Paths Group and Zero Carbon Daviot have been in discussions with the council to get the project moving.
Council officers said the local authority had “aspirations” to deliver the path, and it is looking at all opportunities available ahead of construction.
Strategy manager Chris Menzies said the council is currently gathering title information and looking at alternative locations to deliver the “fantastic resource”.
An update was also given on the £1.5 million Oldmeldrum Travel Hub.
Infrastructure officer Jim Bowe said the project had made “unfortunately slow progress”.
A preferred location for the facility had been identified, however talks with the landowner have taken longer than hoped.
Mr Bowe told members it was possible a second option would need to be found instead.
He said: “There is an urgency to get this moving and if this has no potential, we will move on to the next one on our list and not drag our heels on this.”
Meanwhile discussions are still underway to find a solution for the proposed Methlick turning circle which will help address issues with turning buses in the village.
The first identified site for the facility has been ruled out, however advanced talks are underway regarding a second preferred location.
