Beach track is closed again

VEHICLE access to a popular Angus beach beauty spot has been closed off again in the latest stage of a long-running saga surrounding the steep road.

Recent heavy rains have washed away part of the slope leading to the harbour at Auchmithie, just over two years after a summer landslip cut off a group of people who had to be rescued by lifeboat.

The narrow private road is owned by Angus Housing Association and its main use is to service the septic tanks belonging to properties there.

The association said it will be speaking to residents about access, but one councillor has said the latest incident has highlighted the need for “urgent action” to finally resolve the problem.

Arbroath East and Lunan independent Lois Speed said: “I have been in touch with Angus Housing Association and we held positive discussions around the issues and agreed that providing community participation and engagement events would be crucial going forward.

“Urgent decisions and actions do need to be taken to make the site safe in the first instance until medium and longterm access solutions are found.

“It is vital that any course of action reflects the needs and wishes of the Auchmithie community who know the area and its future potential and prosperity best.”

Angus Housing Association director Gail Robertson said: “Unfortunately, due to the erosion to the surface of the track, a temporary barrier has been put in place to stop vehicular access down the beach track to the harbour area.

“The association will be consulting with the residents of Auchmithie in the coming weeks regarding future access. The beach area can still be accessed by pedestrians using the steps accessible from the centre of the village.”

PEOPLE living near a main road in Dundee fear someone could be killed unless action is taken against speeding drivers.

Residents claim vehicles on Camperdown Road reach speeds of more than 80mph – with drivers treating it as a “makeshift slip road” for the Kingsway.

Craig Morrell, 49, who has lived in the area for 18 years, believes the problem has become worse in recent years.

He said: “I raised a concern over this road about eight months ago. I fear there could be a loss of life with the speeds people are travelling at.

“I previously contacted [Dundee West MP] Chris Law about the road and I’ve gone back to him again following a recent incident.

“I’ve seen vehicles going as fast as 80mph along here. They have used that cardboard police officer in the past but we need something long-term to reduce speeding before someone is killed.

“I think speed bumps might be the answer.”

Another resident, Colin Dingwall, said he was “amazed” there haven’t been more accidents.

He said: “It used to be a problem more late at night but it is getting earlier and we are seeing vehicles going at speeds of at least 50-60mph.

“I’m amazed there haven’t

Lois Speed