Stevenson Calls For 'Urgent Action' On Old Deer Bridge

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has called for ‘urgent action’ from Aberdeenshire Council to bring to completion the works which have closed a Buchan road since October.

The access road from the main A950 into Old Deer and Stuartfield has been closed while contractors carry out works on the road bridge which spans the former railway line at Old Deer. Local people are becoming increasingly frustrated at the long detour this involves as the work has slipped from the original 11 week planned closure.

The MSP has told Aberdeenshire Council Chief Executive Colin Mackenzie that contractors carrying out the works must be instructed to “redouble their efforts” and complete the works as soon as possible.

Mr Stevenson said:

“I understand that repairs were necessary and had to be carried out. However, even making an allowance for the recent period of inclement weather, the delay in the completion of these works is now completely unacceptable.

“This is causing extreme inconvenience and frustration to my constituents in that area and disrupting bus routes. In addition, the closure of a number of local minor roads simply adds to the feeling of frustration and isolation.

“The situation is now urgent and the contractors carrying out these works on behalf of the council simply must be instructed to redouble their efforts and complete these works as soon as possible.

“I hope that Aberdeenshire Council can give local residents some hope that this situation will not be allowed to persist for much longer.”