Rethink over watchmen welcomed

SIR, – The further consideration by Aberdeenshire Council of their proposal to end the employment of night watchmen at Macduff harbour is welcome.

It is not always easy to accept a need to reconsider a decision and the willingness to listen and reconsider is a positive step by the council.

The Harbour Advisory Committee (including the two councillors who reside in Macduff and who attended the meeting) advised against the proposal when it was mentioned to the committee.

Although of different political persuasions they worked together with harbour users (including fishermen) and the wider community all for the benefit of the town to bring relevant factors, which had either not been considered or to which insufficient consideration had been given, to the attention of council officials. The coming together of the community on this issue is welcome and will I hope result in the right decision.

Moving on there are plans to regenerate the town and I hope that there will be proposals which the community will be able to embrace and which will be taken forward.

Edward L. Acton, Duff Street, Macduff