The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
‘Historic’ wall at the centre of political row demolished
Planning: Project halted when links to former finance convener surfaced
A historic wall at the centre of a political storm in the north-east has been completely demolished by workmen.
The cycle path project at Wellington Brae hit the headlines when it was controversially allocated more than £200,000 of public money without ever being brought to a council committee for approval.
Led by publicly-funded cycling charity Sustrans, the scheme was halted
“The council should seek to recover costs for this work from the landowner”
when it emerged that former city finance convener Willie Young had been asked by council officers to approve the works which are on land owned by his father.
Mr Young has always denied any wrongdoing and said council officers had wrongly identified him as the landowner.
Work restarted on the scheme last week which has resulted in many trees being felled and the historic retaining wall being demolished.
A tell-all report into the circumstances of the contract is due to be released in September. The council has also voted against seeking any funds from the landowner towards the work.
A Sustrans Scotland spokeswoman said: “Following committee approval for the works, contractors re-started on site on June 19 and are scheduled to finish on July 31.
“As per the approved structural designs and the recent letter sent to all local residents by Aberdeen City Council, the original failed retaining wall is being dismantled.
“Piling works are being carried out to stabilise the slope and then a new concrete and stone retaining wall will be constructed to the approved design, prior to resurfacing the path.”
Ferryhill resident Pauline Gerrard lives close to the Brae. And she said: “Has a historic wall been removed and 15 trees felled for no reason? The wall and path were part of Ferryhill and Torry’s heritage.”
SNP group leader Stephen Flynn added: “Folk will be happy to see that work is well under way, because this is a key piece of infrastructure in our city. However, we have been consistent in our view that the council should seek to recover costs for this work from the landowner.”
Mr Young has previously indicated he will not comment on the works until a council report is released in September.