A north-east council has unveiled proposals to repair sections of the river Dee after it was destroyed by flooding at the start of the year.
More than eight months after Storm Frank swept across Aberdeenshire, plans have been launched by Aberdeenshire Council to repair the damaged river bund in Ballater.
The council published a public contract to rebuild the bund – which involves the replacement of 40 metres of riverbank and rebuilding fencing which was washed away in the floods.
More than 300 homes and 60 businesses were flooded in Ballater when the Dee burst its banks at the neighbouring golf course, sending four feet of water rushing down the streets of the village.
In the interim period, both the community and the local authority have been striving to get Ballater back to normal, and the new plans were applauded by residents and councillors alike.
Cllr Geva Blackett said: “We are all delighted to be seeing these repairs go ahead.
“Ballater has bounced back strongly from the disasters of the January floods, it is open for business and thriving again.
“The council are committed to fully repairing the damage that happened in Aberdeenshire and I know people in Ballater feel supported and will be extremely pleased to hear of these repairs.
“At the end of the bund repairs, all the sandbags that are still in place will be taken away, improving the general appearance of the village.”
Many residents in Ballater are still dealing with the flood damage, and some remain unable to live in their homes.
The floods of December 30 were labelled the worst in Deeside since the Muckle Spate of 1829.
But Scott Fraser, the Ballater Charitable Chiels group, said: “It’s fantastic news the bund is going to be replaced and the sandbags are also going to be cleared.
“They have been an eyesore for the community, so it will be great to get things back to normal again.
“I do think the council have put in an amazing amount of work and have been constantly working behind the scenes to get everyone back up and running.”
Local resident, Wendy Cobban, added: “Anything that helps Ballater get back on its feet can only be seen as positive.
“The bund being back in place will also make people feel safer from future flood risks.”
