The row over an ambitious regeneration agenda which could inject up to £10million into north-east towns will rumble on this week as councillors in Peterhead meet to discuss the issue.
Earlier this year, the SNP-led Aberdeenshire Council administration set aside £5million for regeneration schemes as part of its annual budget.
Co-leader Martin Kitts-Hayes spelled out the group’s “vision” for Banff, Macduff, Fraserburgh and Peterhead.
It is understood match funding could be sought for proposed projects, potentially doubling the cash available to the coastal communities.
However, that proposal has sparked controversy among a number of councillors, including some members of the administration.
Angered by the way in which the regeneration drive will be overseen, councillors from Banffshire branded the flagship policy “shambolic” and “undemocratic” earlier this week.
Although supportive of the funding, several administration members joined their opposition counterparts in criticising the scheme which would create working groups for each town.
SNP councillors John Cox and Hamish Partridge condemned the make-up of these groups because only two of the five members will be appointed locally.
The remaining members will be appointed by the infrastructure services committee at Woodhill House.
It is likely that a similar debate will break out when Buchan councillors convene in Peterhead on Tuesday.
Last night, one local member, who did not wish to be named, said it was important that “past fiascos are not repeated”.
The councillor said he had sympathy with colleagues in Banffshire who were previously excluded from discussion about a new supermarket for the area.
He added: “I think there will be debate about the number of councillors who sit on these working groups.
“I don’t think it should just be two from the local area.
“That’s how I see the debate going.”
