Council draw up new road design following anger over kerbing

A revised road layout design has been drawn up following complaints about traffic calming measures in Fettercairn.

Alterations were carried out on the B966 at the Royal Arch in Fettercairn to realign the road and install narrowing devices to prevent the 1864 B-listed structure from being damaged.

The junction to the south of the arch was reconfigured with kerbing installed to narrow the it and prevent heavy goods vehicles from passing under.

Local businesses say the traffic-calming measures are putting their livelihoods at risk with a decline in revenue being described as “catastrophic”.

Aberdeenshire Council’s head of roads, Philip McKay, said the council will hold an exhibition of the proposed “engineering solution” in due course.

He said: “We had hoped we’d be able to make use of the local hall for this purpose but as it is currently unavailable we’re looking at alternative venues and will confirm a time and date for the session in due course.”

Motorists are being known to avoid using the B966 route altogether rather than risk damage to their vehicles by passing under the Royal Arch.

North East Scotland Conservative MSP Liam Kerr urged the council to get on with it and said local residents shouldn’t be kept waiting.

He said: “While it is good to hear that some progress is being made, I think the local community will feel a little frustrated that the council doesn’t just get on with it.

“It is all well and good to say that there will be a consultation on the design, but we are now into the summer months.

“It is a very busy time and we can’t really afford to wait.”