The parking woes of swimmers at a north-east pool could soon be eased after a council sought bids for the building of extra spaces.
Fraserburgh Community and Sports Centre opened in February 2013 to a mixed reaction.
Early problems surrounding the pool and vandalism have since been resolved, but users’ frustrations with a lack of places to leave their cars at the £9million facility have rumbled on.
Local councillor Ian Tait said the problem had become so bad in recent months that people had started to park their cars on the access road – which also services nearby homes and businesses.
Aberdeenshire Council has now earmarked land at the site for the creation of 24 additional spaces, taking the total number to 93.
Mr Tait said: “These extra spaces will go some way to alleviating the present problems – but I will wait and keep an eye out to see if this gets rid of the access problems.”
He expects that, following a preferred bidder being chosen by the authority, local councillors will be able to sign off on the work by the end of January.
“All being well, the council would appoint a contractor in February and commence work as quickly as possible,” he added.
“I would anticipate the work being completed by end of March 2017.”
Aberdeenshire Council has offered the contract – valued at £100,000 – to building firms able to deliver the “construction of an extension to [the] car park area”.
The community centre was “officially” launched six months after it opened its doors by football star Kim Little.
At the ceremony she said the building would make it easier for adults and children to access sport.
“I think it’s great to have this facility here in Fraserburgh,” she said.
