It has caused years of frustration, but work has finally started to tackle parking problems at a popular north-east sports centre.
The limited number of parking bays at Fraserburgh Community and Leisure Centre has been the source of complaints ever since the site opened in 2013.
Visitors to the swimming pool and gym often leave their cars on nearby kerbs or in private business car parks.
But now, Aberdeenshire Council has commenced work on a £100,000 extension which will create 24 new spaces at the £9million development.
The authority hopes the new bays will alleviate the parking issues in the surrounding streets.
Local councillor Brian Topping, who pressed for the work to go ahead, said: “It’s fantastic to see our sports centre and pool so busy, with locals and visitors alike using our brilliant modern facilities here in the Broch.
“I am delighted to have got this much-needed additional car parking and thank council officials for their help.”
The SNP councillor added that his party’s Partnership administration had set aside more than £100,000 of funding for the scheme.
When the proposals were announced earlier this year, the council’s infrastructure director said the extension would be “in keeping” with the current car park.
Stephen Archer added: “The new parking provision will be finished to ensure it is in keeping with the existing provision. And it will be extended in a manner causing little negative impact upon the surrounding amenity.”
He said the new bays would encourage greater participation in sports at the centre.
The scheme was also welcomed by the local community council. Its secretary, David Donn, said: “No issues were raised and the community council fully supports and welcomes this extension.”
The sports centre on Fraserburgh’s Maconochie Place has a six-lane, 25-metre swimming pool along with a flume and a steam room.
The centre is also used by local councillors to hold their area committee meetings once every two months.
