A councillor has called for the local authority to consider a regeneration strategy to help rebuild a flood-hit community.
Aboyne, Upper Deeside and Donside member Geva Blackett, said a similar plan to one aimed at rejuvenating the heart of a north-east fishing port should be considered in Ballater.
The £5million Fraserburgh 2021 project aims to transform the town’s shopping district by reinvigorating its built heritage.
And at yesterday’s meeting of Aberdeenshire’s Marr area committee, SNP councillor Mrs Blackett said the same approach may be needed to get Ballater back on its feet after Storm Frank.
She asked area manager Janelle Clark if the local authority was looking at using the plans for Fraserburgh as a model for the Deeside community.
She said: “Up in Fraserburgh they actually have a regeneration strategy and funding.
“With the number of businesses that have been seriously impacted upon in Ballater, I wonder if you have had any discussions with officers about a regeneration strategy in Ballater and how we can help bring that forward?”
Mrs Clark said the council had held a number of events “offering advice” to local business owners and pointing them in the direction of funding sources.
She added: “We are also looking at pulling together an events plan to encourage people to come to the Ballater area. The best way to support Ballater I think is to come to the area.”
The council has been awarded funding to deliver a townscape heritage and conservation area regeneration scheme in Fraserburgh, due to start in April.
And last month the council’s SNP-led administration set aside £5million for a regeneration reserve as part of its 2016-17 budget; hoping to attract £10million of investment to Peterhead, Banff, Macduff and Fraserburgh.
