Cllrs Given Assurance on Hatton Bridge Priority

Peterhead South & Cruden SNP councillors Stephen Smith and Stuart Pratt have met with Aberdeenshire Council’s Director of Infrastructure Stephen Archer to seek assurances that replacement of the bridge which was damaged during recent flooding in Hatton will be a top priority for the council.

The resultant road closure has cut off a large part of the village to road traffic although pedestrian access was restored by means of a temporary bridge within two working days.

The councillors also raised a range of issues covering road gritting, temporary vehicle access using a Bailey-type bridge and timescale for a new replacement bridge.

Commenting following the meeting with Director of Infrastructure Stephen Archer, Cllr Stephen Smith said:

“This was a very positive meeting and we received an assurance from the Director that the replacement of Hatton Bridge is absolutely a top priority for Aberdeenshire Council.

“The provision of a temporary vehicle bridge is being investigated and discussions will take place with adjoining landowners in this regard.  At this stage, the council cannot say whether this will be possible, but it is under investigation.”

Councillor Stuart Pratt added:

“Discussions are taking place with gas and electricity companies as the mains pipelines and cables will need to be relocated.  We’ve received assurances that this will be done on a planned basis and communicated to users in good time.

“Better signage will be put in place advising of the road closure/diversions on the northern approach to Hatton and the diversion route will be given higher priority in terms of gritting during wintry weather.

“In terms of timescales, obviously the quicker this is done, the better, and Mr Archer has pledged to come back to us by the end of the week with a firmer timetable for replacing the bridge.”