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Mixed feelings from businesses towards Stonehaven’s new social distancing measures

Calum Richardson of The Bay fish and chip shop in Stonehaven. Picture: Darrell Benns
Calum Richardson of The Bay fish and chip shop in Stonehaven. Picture: Darrell Benns

Aberdeenshire Council’s temporary plans for social distancing in Stonehaven appear to have split the community.

One business yesterday argued the measures were a “monstrosity” that will hamper trade at a crucial time, while another said the council had “bent over backwards” for the good of the local economy.

This week, the council revealed its final proposals for making sure its busy town centres are able to support visitors observing social distancing guidelines.

In Stonehaven, a number of major changes are being implemented around the Market Square and Beach Road.

On Beach Road, parking spaces are being removed to increase the size of the pavement to offer pedestrians additional room to roam, while a one-way system will also be introduced.

Although the final plans offer more parking spaces than initial proposals, Calum Richardson, director at The Bay fish and chip shop, said they will result in major problems for deliveries and customers.

He said: “It is just a joke. I came down to work to see an absolute monstrosity unfolding before me.

“It’s hard enough to get parked normally, but now it is going to be absolute mayhem outside with this one-way system.

“I absolutely cannot understand what their thinking is here.

“I’ve gone into partnership with a local taxi firm to create a delivery service and in the past eight weeks I think they’ve had about £7,000 in delivery fees.

“That will probably have to stop.”

But Janice Langdon, owner of Molly’s Café Bar next to The Bay, supports the new measures.

She said: “The council aren’t doing this to upset people – they’re doing it to protect people in the town.

“All of the businesses at the beachfront need to open, and the only safe way to do this this is through what they’ve done with the road system.

“The council has been bending over backwards as far as I can see to help businesses reopen safely and I really can’t understand why people are against the council.

“I can now safely open my business a week on Monday, with outside dining.”

Ewan Wallace, head of transportation at Aberdeenshire Council, said: “These temporary measures will support the reopening of the town centres by creating the additional space required to ensure physical distancing can be maintained, particularly around areas where queues may form.

“They are intended to be flexible to the requirements of the local areas and will be monitored as phase 2 restrictions begin to ease.

“Any sections that are not required can be adjusted or removed as needed or can be similarly adjusted to take into account any particular local issues.

“These are difficult times for many and we recognise many businesses will be struggling at the moment due to the lockdown.

“These measures are intended to encourage people back to our town centres by providing a safe environment for all.”