Community councils had the opportunity tonight to question Brian Strachan, Aberdeenshire Council’s senior roads manager for Kincardine and Mearns.

Among those present were representatives from Newtonhill and from North Kincardine Rural. No-one of course from Portlethen as the community council in the town collapsed some months ago due to a lack of interest (anyone want to volunteer?).

Mr Strachan conceded there is a backlog of defects and that the Roads Service has found it challenging to tackle this. This is due to a combination of staff shortages, dearer materials, pay and fuel, to be balanced against the need to achieve best value for the council.

Staff shortages have been affecting contractors as well as the council. The Roads Service has struggling to secure the services of skilled operatives and technical staff. A review is being carried out to ensure the best deployment of available staff.

Mr Strachan said that the awarding of a contract to Hunter Construction for patching potholes in Portlethen, Newtonhill and Muchalls would make a notable difference to these communities.

He went on to address a number of specific questions posed by community council representatives, which they will no doubt feed back to their groups. Mr Strachan assured the representatives the priority is getting on top of matters.