A war of words has broken out between two Aberdeen councillors who represent the same ward after one accused the other of a “disingenuous” claims in a leaflet.
Hilton, Woodside and Stockethill Conservative Freddie John recently issued leaflets where he said the ruling administration had “committed £10 million in additional money which will be spent on maintaining and improving Aberdeen’s roads”.
But SNP rival Neil Copland, who also represents the area, pointed out that the coalition had cut more than £500,000 from the roads budget this year.
He said: “It is clear Councillor John recognises road repairs are an issues that matter to folk, it’s just a shame he did not vote to protect these budgets.
“This leaflet is disingenuous, talking of additional funding while the reality is that the Tories are slashing the roads budgets.
“I’m pleased to say the SNP budget, which I supported, did not even entertain making these cuts.”
Mr John responded: “With over 500 miles of road across the city, maintaining them to a high standard is challenging but rightly expected by the public.’
“I can indeed confirm that the administration I am part of has committed an additional £10m to improving Aberdeen roads as stated in my leaflet
“While the SNP spend their time whipping up press stories, the bottom line is their budget was based on selling valuable assets owned by the council and increasing respite care costs paid by vulnerable members of the public by over 550%.
“With funding from the SNP Government continuing to tighten, it’s time the local SNP councillors started getting on the side of the city and not their bosses down south.”
