SNP candidate on camera for grassroots view of Aboyne Bridge closure
27/02/24
Glen Reynolds, SNP candidate for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, met with David Robinson, a representative of the Fix Aboyne Bridge Community Action Group, last week in Aboyne.
The meeting, at the bridge site, allowed Mr Reynolds to get a community perspective as regards the problems caused since the bridge’s sudden closure last November.
The meeting was filmed and made available on Mr Reynolds’ Facebook page (see link above) so area residents could see what was discussed.
Mr Reynolds says, “Meeting with David at Aboyne Bridge and listening to local stories was very helpful in understanding the reality of the situation – especially since David is a firefighter, a team player in the action group, and a voice for business in Aboyne.
“Nobody underestimates the challenges that the council faces but, as David agrees, historically there has been a focus on a balance sheet valuation of such assets rather than structural monitoring and community engagement.
“Better communication between the council and the people it serves is a must-have as we move forward.
“The community must be at the heart of what happens. The drop-in information session in Aboyne last week, at the Scout Hut, was timely and much needed. We should now look to a plan with activities and timescales around spades in the ground, also regular updates on the status of assets and proper scrutiny of actions taken.
“Local people such as David and the action group should have their real concerns over community resilience addressed, ensuring that the health and wellbeing of people in Aboyne are prioritised, along with their safety.”