A deal has been struck to pave the way for a congestion-busting safety scheme at a north-east school.
Education chiefs at Aberdeenshire Council want to create a drop-off zone at Mintlaw Primary following a spate of complaints from parents and staff.
The proposed facility in Longside Road would let mums and dads on the school-run pull off the road and allow other traffic to pass safely.
Locals believe long-standing congestion problems at the site is putting children at risk and it is hoped the new measures will finally resolve the issue.
The £110,000 plan was backed by Buchan area councillors earlier this year.
Now the local authority has agreed to award the contract to Thainstone-based Hunter Construction.
The job went out to tender in March and council officers received offers from eight different companies.
The work will involve building a lay-by next to the school gates, realigning a footpath and moving a boundary wall.
It is understood that work will now proceed during the summer holidays.
In a report to councillors, education director Maria Walker says: “Following concerns raised by parents and elected members over a considerable period of time regarding the safety of pupils being picked up by parents and guardians outside Mintlaw Primary School, an investigation was instigated into the creation of a drop-off area.”
She said working on the scheme during the summer months would minimise disruption for pupils and school staff.
Head teacher Sarah Forrest said the school had been very supportive of the work. She said the parent council had been calling for measures for some time.
Just over a decade ago, local residents fought off council plans to create a park-and-ride interchange in the grounds of the primary school.
Villagers said the £250,000 scheme, similar to the one at Ellon, would actually make congestion problems worse.