The ongoing row over a major regeneration strategy to inject £10million into north-east towns simmered down when councillors met in Peterhead yesterday to discuss the scheme.
Earlier this year, the SNP-led Aberdeenshire Council administration budgeted £5million for regeneration projects in Peterhead, Fraserburgh, Banff and Macduff.
At the time, Martin Kitts-Hayes, co-leader of the local authority, spelled out a “vision” for the ports.
He said that match funding could be sought for the proposed projects, potentially doubling the money available to communities.
But when the scheme was discussed at last week’s Banff and Buchan area committee, members from Fraserburgh, Banff and Macduff argued over how the strategy would be overseen.
Banffshire councillors described the flagship policy as “shambolic” and “undemocratic” over the make-up of working groups which would scrutinise regeneration efforts.
SNP councillors John Cox and Hamish Partridge condemned the groups which will only include two members from the local area.
The remaining three places will be appointed by the infrastructure services committee.
It was thought that a similar discussion would erupt at Buchan area committee yesterday.
However, councillors in Peterhead were in agreement that the strategy from the council was the best way forward and “bit the bullet”.
SNP councillor Stuart Pratt, chairman of the committee, said: “I just hope we can now get going with this. It’s something we will have to bite the bullet for.”
Colleague Stephen Smith added his view that “a lot of good work” had been started by the previous administration which had been progressed by his party.
He added, however, that it was “right” local members had more input into such issues.
Independent Alan Gardner was of similar mind and said: “The administration had to take time. They have now had their time, and they’re coming forward with this new strategy – so let’s get going with it.”
