The council has announced plans to consult the public about safety improvements to a village road where an eight-year-old boy was killed.
On December 5 last year, Iain Sturrock was knocked down and killed by a white van on Portsoy’s Seafield Street.
The youngster’s death was met with an outpouring of grief from local residents, and calls to improve safety on the village’s thoroughfare.
The council immediately began a safety review and now, 11 months on, has announced it will lead a public consultation in Portsoy Town Hall next month.
At the consultation on Tuesday, December 1 road officers will seek the public’s view on a proposed location for a new zebra crossing, between Burnside Street and Shillinghill.
A spokeswoman for the local authority said the site is a “central location” which maximises visibility for drivers and pedestrians.
Councillor John Cox, chairman of the local area committee, said: “Road safety is of paramount importance across Banff and Buchan, and I am very pleased that these proposals for Seafield Street are being progressed.
“I hope as many residents as possible respond to the call for feedback, and help us make Portsoy safer.”
The council’s area manager, Margaret-Jane Cardno, added: “I urge the Portsoy community to attend the pubic consultation. It will be an invaluable opportunity to have your say and ask questions.
“A questionnaire will be available for the public to note their comments on the proposed location, or indicate a possible alternative location.”
Last night Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson, who backed calls for improved road safety in the wake of Iain Sturrock’s death, said: “As road safety is an issue that affects all road users, I hope that as many people as possible contribute to this consultation and ensure the best possible location for pedestrians and drivers alike.”
The drop-in consultation session will take place between 9.30am-7pm. Residents and local businesses will be able to study the location plan along with the associated waiting restrictions and amendments to bus stop locations.
Following the consultation, road officers will make a recommendation to the Banff and Buchan area committee.
