Work to repair the crumbling cliff face that has plagued a tiny north-east community for months began yesterday.
The council has drafted in experts to instal a monitoring system above Gardenstown’s Harbour Road.
It will be connected to traffic lights and sensors that can detect any movement in the future.
The road below the slide will be closed until Friday when it is hoped the new system, which is being fitted by BAM Ritchies, will be fully operational.
It is the first part of a major project to permanently fix the landslip that has blighted Gardenstown all winter.
Earth will be stabilised with 19-foot-long soil nails and a mesh covering.
The Harbour Road is the only means by which vehicles can access the lower half of Gardenstown.
Colin Wallek is one of those residents who has struggled to move his car and take in fuel deliveries in recent months as a result.
He has welcomed moves to get the landslip repaired and the road reopened fully, but has urged the local authority to promote the village in a bid to attract visitors and help the village recover.
Mr Wallek said: “It will make a huge difference to the village before we really hit the tourist season. Otherwise it could stop people coming to the village
“I think the council should be paying for advertising that tells people Gardenstown is open for business.
“Looking back at what has happened here in the last few months it has been ludicrous.”
An Aberdeenshire Council spokesman said: “The contract has been awarded to BAM Ritchies and it is estimated the work will take seven weeks to complete.
“A slope monitoring system and other safety measures will be installed and will allow the road to open fully, but under traffic light control, from Friday, April 27.
“The monitoring system will be linked to traffic lights which can stop access should any movement in the slope be detected.
“With the safety measures in place it is hoped the road can remain open during the subsequent installation of the six metre long soil nails and steel meshing system.”
A drop-in session for Gardenstown residents is being held at the Dreel Hall between 9am and 8pm tomorrow to give locals an update on the work.
Representatives from the council, consultants Atkins and contractors BAM Ritchies will be there to answer questions.
