Council should consult public over changes

SIR, – It’s a disgrace the way Aberdeen City Council takes decisions without consulting the electorate. Why do we need to pedestrianise Union Street to increase social distancing due to coronavirus and the easing of lockdown?

Considering the limited number of shops – the rest of the street consists of bookies, cafes, restaurants, mobile phone shops and the odd building society – I can’t envisage shoppers jostling for position. The diversion of bus routes makes it more difficult for elderly and infirm people to get transport home.

Aberdeen is a city that cannot accommodate any form of pedestrianisation due to the lack of streets suitable to take diverted traffic without causing congestion.

To the councillors I say – you have two ears and one mouth so listen twice as you talk and, before any dramatic changes are made, consult with those who will be affected the most.

Give some consideration to all shopkeepers, large and small, because having the convenience of parking near or at their premises can, in these hard times, mean the difference between remaining open or closing down.

We have plenty of empty shops and, who knows, there could be more in the months to come.

Councillors have made some terrible decisions in the past, with projects going over time and budget, and on passing Union Terrace Gardens the other day it looks like we’re going to have another one.

George R Davidson, Braemar Place, Aberdeen