A number of Newtonhill residents have raised their concerns about the safety of a new path from Cairnhill Road through the park to Newtonhill Road.

Councillor Ian Mollison said: “I have been told that a few drivers have gone down the path, mistakenly thinking it is a road. Other residents are concerned that the path could be used by vehicles to access the park.

“I have contacted council officials and as a result a temprorary barrier has been put in place.

“The path was constructed to meet conditions imposed by the council on the developers of Michael Tunstall Terrace and Cairnhill Road. It is needed to provide a safe route to school and the centre of the village for the new residents.

“Council officials understand the sense of urgency and concern felt by residents regarding this matter. However the specification for the permanent bollards required at the Cairnhill Road access are significantly different to those already used at other points round the park by Landscape Services.

“As occasional maintenance access must be maintained at this entrance, removable bollards (which are not a standard Aberdeenshire Council installation) will be put in. These have to comply with minimum safety specifications for use on a main entrance to this type of multi-user path.

“It may take the developer a number of weeks to source and install a product to meet minimum specifications (particularly given the holidays).”