A public consultation event will take place this week to determine when repair work to a north-east landslip would best suit residents.
A landslip has been present for a number of years at Crovie, but increased movement and a deterioration of the route between the community and Bracoden led to Aberdeenshire Council closing the road to vehicles last September.
Since then, work has been ongoing to determine how best to prevent further slips.
The preferred solution involves soil nailing of the lower slope.
But the works to install the nails will be disruptive, in terms of access restrictions, noise and visual intrusion.
And yesterday, a spokesman for the authority said it was “unlikely” that the repairs could be phased to avoid the holiday season.
To find a workaround, it is now proposing to meet with locals on Thursday to set out when repair crews could carry out the fix with the least amount of resistance.
“In order to establish the least disruptive period for construction, it is proposed to hold a public exhibition where residents will have the opportunity to comment on the proposals,” the spokesman added.
“The public exhibition will be held at Bracoden School, Gardenstown, Banff, on Thursday, March 8, at 7pm.
“For those unable to attend, an information leaflet can be provided if required.”
The council’s director of infrastructure, Stephen Archer, has already asked councillors to back the repair works.
Mr Archer said: “If action is not taken, then there is significant risk of increased cost to remediate a larger slippage and potential for substantial damage to properties at the foot of the slope.”
Meanwhile, residents in nearby Gardenstown have no expected start date for repair works on their landslip.
Anyone who requires an information leaflet is asked to email malcolm.thomson@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Harbour Road has been closed off since December.
