Newtonhill and District Access Committee

Villagers are refusing to take the loss of a well-used bridge lying down – with a campaign for a new crossing over the Elsick Burn now in full swing.

Walkers, cyclists, dog owners and schoolchildren are among those who have been cut off from easy access to popular routes.

Not to mention a couple who now struggle to get essential deliveries such as heating oil – and fear a fire engine would not reach them in an emergency.

Aberdeenshire Council demolished the bridge down as a safety precaution in the face of Storm Babet in October.

Repairs had been halted after they found the foundations of the pretty 19th century structure were no longer sound.

But replacing it is not as high as residents hoped on the cash-strapped council’s priority list, sitting in 21st place with little prospect of a quick fix despite local councillor Mel Sullivan’s success in getting it pushed up from 28th place.

The scoring system focuses on disruption to the road network rather than the impact on public health, routes to school or disabled access.

People with mobility issues have to negotiate the steep slope down towards the old mill to get to the beach or East Cammachmore.

And the large number of people who used the crossing for walks and rides around Cran Hill and beyond face a big diversion via the centre of the village.

Petitioning the council to review its prioritisation decision was among actions agreed at a well-attended public meeting held at the Bettridge Centre on January 26.

A dedicated Facebook Group set up to keep the community up to date with developments already boasts hundreds of members – and a group of volunteers has formed a committee to agree a wider action plan.

The volunteers are looking into a range of options such as raising the money for a like-for-like road bridge – estimated by the local authority to be at least £80,000 - or securing suitable alternative access to the affected home and funding a cheaper burn crossing for cyclists and pedestrians.

The campaign will be conducted with the close support of Newtonhill, Muchalls and Cammachmore Community Council (NMCCC).

Torc Torrance, who is leading the push for action and also speaks on behalf of the local cycling group, said the strength of feeling on the issue was clear.

“I’m calling for urgent action to get a new bridge to help us all connect. At the highly successful kick-off meeting we decided on a plan and we have a team who have the capabilities and support to make this happen.

“I asked the people of Newtonhill and area to turn up to show our determination and they have answered!”

Would you like to add your skills to the campaign group? Please get in touch?