Repairs halted by lack of cash
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Councillors have rejected proposals not to replace six collapsed bridges.
At this week’s meeting of the Banff and Buchan area committee, plans stated that Bridge of Gorrachie, Bridge of Fortrie, Bruntyards, Millcroft, Mill of Balmaud and North Litterty would not be fixed.
This comes after storms struck Aberdeenshire back in September and caused major damage.
Aberdeenshire Council structures manager Donald MacPherson said that the process is all about priorities and costs for repairs.
Replacing the six bridges would cost the local authority £1.26 million.
Councillor Ross Cassie raised issue about the effect on rural communities.
He said: “They have approached the Scottish Government about more funding and they are open to talk again.
“People will be affected and are going to feel excluded and may have to take diversions.
“The conversation isn’t over from my view.”
Councillor John Cox called for public consultation.
He said: “We need to consider wider community involvement.
“We want to look for further discussion with the Scottish Government.
“We need public consultation as it is unfair to make a narrow decision without all the strings attached.”
Councillor Mark Findlater said: “I want all the bridges put back up and residents are really concerned about it.”
Committee members agreed that discussions had not been completed and that they (the council) had to explore other funding schemes.
A report will be submitted to the infrastructure services committee.
