Residents of a north-east fishing village have turned out to air their views on improvements to a road where an eight-year-old boy was killed.
Iain Sturrock was knocked down on December 5 last year by a white van on Portsoy’s Seafield Street.
The tragic incident sparked an outpouring of grief from the community, and calls to improve safety on the village’s thoroughfare.
The council launched an immediate safety review, and hosted a public consultation for businesses and residents 12 months on in the town hall yesterday.
Aberdeenshire Council’s roads team is proposing a new zebra crossing between Burnside Street and Shillinghill.
Last night community leaders stressed that there would be no easy solution to road safety problems facing local residents.
Area committee chairman councillor John Cox said: “I hope as many people get involved in the consultation – whether for or against – as possible. We want to get as much feedback to help us make a decision.
“We’re talking about a very serious matter which is why this has come about. Every street is dangerous if the traffic is heavy – every road is a danger.
“Sometimes coming up with a solution in one area can have a knock-on effect elsewhere. We have to consider the implications on road safety throughout Portsoy.”
Portsoy resident councillor Ian Gray added: “The safety issue has to be dealt with but there are no easy options – that’s the reason for the consultation.
“We need to get the best possible solution to the issue of a pedestrian crossing. We need to get a location that suits everybody – that would be ideal – but I’m not sure if that’s possible.”
Mr Gray added that any decision must take into account the impact on local businesses which may “lose out” if parking is restricted.
Road officers will now make a recommendation to the Banff and Buchan area committee.
