Councillors have agreed to ban traffic from a historic Buchan crossing after a string of collisions.
A large section of the Bishop’s Bridge near Cruden Bay cracked when a vehicle ploughed into it last November, and it has been shut since. Members of Aberdeenshire Council’s Buchan area committee agreed yesterday that the 6ft-wide category B-listed structure, which was built in 1697, should be closed to traffic for good to prevent any further damage. Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists will still be permitted to use it if the plans go ahead.
The council also hopes to restore the ancient structure and turn it into a visitor attraction. Officers will now consult locals on the move.
If there are no objections, a prohibition of vehicular traffic order will be issued to ban anything bigger than a motorbike from crossing.
Alan Burns, the council’s roads manager, told the committee: “There have been a number of collisions in recent years and the damage to the bridge and cost to the council has been significant.
“There are alternative routes for traffic which may take slightly longer but will preserve and protect the structure from any further misuse as a rat run.
“As well as carrying out a full heritage restoration on the bridge to the satisfaction of Historic Scotland, we propose to add some boards detailing its history and make it something of a tourist attraction.”
Committee members backed the plans unanimously, but some voiced concerns over access to the nearby church.
Peterhead North and Rattray member Anne Allan said: “The Hatton area residents association met last night and said it would like to see a car park added next to the bridge. This would allow people to drive up, park, and then walk the short distance on to the church.”
However, Mr Burns said: “The land beside the bridge would not be suitable for a car park as it is marshy and also acts a flood plain for the Water of Cruden.”
The bridge, near Cruden Old Church, was built by James Drummond, who was Bishop of Brechin from 1684 to 1689 before coming to Cruden Bay. He stayed at nearby Slains Castle.