Two footbridges, connecting a brace of north-east communities, will be replaced early this year.
Bridges over a crossing between Banff and the tiny community of Scotstoun were removed before Christmas.
The move diverted a popular walking route and left some people with no option but to find a new path to help them reach the coastline.
Last night, the chairman of the Banff and Buchan area committee described the situation as “unsuitable” for some.
John Cox, who is also a councillor for the communities of Banff and Scotstoun, said he been assured by the local authority the bridges would be replaced with new, wooden builds.
The former steel structures had become unsafe after years of use – despite alterations including new railings in an attempt to restore them to their original purpose.
Mr Cox added: “There were two old steel bridges in place before.
“A narrow railway line had been put in about 30 or 40 years ago, and the bridges were put in for that. But they were deemed ‘unsafe’ and were taken down about three or four months ago.
“There has been a diversion ever since, but it is an extremely popular path, so I am delighted to find they will be reinstated with wooden bridges and the route will be re-opened again.
“There is still a walkway at present, but it is not convenient for a number of people.
“I am glad that they are being replaced.”
It is expected the new bridges will be put in place during April, in time for the summer.
Mr Cox said: “I appreciate officers have, with a little bit of pressure in response to the comments from users and myself, identified funds to replace the bridges this financial year.”
The Scotstoun bridge is just one of the community’s crossings which local residents would like to see replaced.
Efforts were made last year to encourage Aberdeenshire Council to replace Banff Bridge over the River Deveron because it had become too narrow for modern vehicles.
