Plans to reintroduce traffic to parts of Peterhead town centre are facing a backlash from residents.
People living on the edge of pedestrianised zones in Chapel Street and Marischal Street are urging Aberdeenshire Council to rethink its proposals to allow vehicles back into the area.
Local councillors backed the move last month, after a survey of residents found that more than half (55%) were in favour.
The local authority has submitted a planning application to make changes to the street, including installing bollards for pedestrian safety and new lighting. A bus stop will also have to be moved.
Now council planning officers have received a formal objection signed by several households, calling for the plans to be scrapped.
The 10 residents who live in flats at the east end of Marischal Street say the proposal would lead to noise problems.
“Every day we are subjected to late-night street disturbance and revellers, especially at the weekends,” a spokesman for the group said.
“Now we have the prospect of traffic noise 24/7 and having to put up with the screeching tyres and blaring hi-fis of boy racers into the small hours.”
Peterhead Community Council member Stephen Calder has also objected.
He believes the proposed two-year trial period is too long, and should be cut to six months.
“There should be regular monitoring over the trial period of the effect of the reopening of the
street on local residents at different times of the day and night,” he said.
Under the plans, traffic would flow in just one direction and a 20mph speed limit would be put in place to minimise disruption to residents and businesses.
At the moment only buses and emergency vehicles are allowed into Chapel Street and the east end of Marischal Street.
Many shopkeepers have blamed the pedestrian zone for a downturn in trade.
Earlier this year, businessman Donald Begg said the closure of his family’s shoe shop, Beggs Shoes and Bags, was down to several factors, including a lack of on-street parking.
The council’s proposals are likely to be discussed by members of the local authority’s Buchan area committee in the next few weeks.