A north-east businessman has made a plea for more to be done to protect the region’s coastline after about 10ft eroded in five weeks.
Des Cheyne, owner of the Spotty Bag Shop in Banff, has been keeping an eye on the erosion in the Greenbanks area of the town for years.
Since torrential rain in late September caused flooding and high tides, Mr Cheyne estimates that almost 10ft of the land has been washed away.
Before the floods, members of the public could amble along the path and onto grass for a walk but now the path ends with a drop as the land has gone.
Having brought it to Aberdeenshire Council’s attention, Mr Cheyne was told that officers are monitoring the situation and had put up barriers to protect the public.
But Mr Cheyne remains concerned about the rate of erosion and the future effect it could have.
He said: “Since the flooding five weeks ago a stretch of the coast at Greenbanks has washed away and my concern is the road will eventually start to crumble too, and then residents and businesses here will see regular flooding.
“This problem isn’t going to slow or stop unless something is done.
“There’s a lack of communication and people are worried about the possibilities. It is certainly not encouraging people to invest in the lower parts of Banff.”
A spokesman for the council confirmed that a report will be prepared for councillors explaining the situation”at the earliest opportunity” and that officers will monitor the situation in the meantime.
He added: “Engineers continue to investigate erosion related issues around Greenbanks along with regular inspections of the foundation protection at Banff Bridge.”
The SNP Banff and Buchan MP candidate Paul Robertson pointed out that options were in place to help councils with issues like this.
He said: “Under the Belwyn scheme, the council is able to access financial assistance from the Scottish Government to help with repairs to damage caused by flooding – but they must formally request assistance.”
Local councillor John Cox has also been worried by the continued erosion.
He said: “Officers are monitoring the situation however I am very concerned we might get to the point we lose the Greenbanks – which will be followed by a significant cost to stabilise any threat of flooding, road and utilities.
“I have suggested short team measures and will continue to press for them.”
