Tax payers in Aberdeenshire are set to foot a £5,000 bill for stolen road signs at St Combs after a two-weekend wrecking spree where 50 signs were damaged.
The council says road safety signs in Buchan have been “maliciously” damaged – with several stands and barriers also reported to have been stolen.
The B9033 was closed from the A90 Aberdeen to Fraserburgh road to St Combs for roadworks to improve the drainage and surfacing of the carriageway two weeks ago.
A number of road closure and diversion signs, as well as barriers, were placed in the area to alert drivers of the measures and ensure the safety of staff and residents.
However, vandals have made off with the signs and have now cost taxpayers thousands.
A wrecking spree over the weekends of November 19-20 and 26-27, destroyed 50 signs and stands.
A total of 28 road closed signs, along with four signs informing of the diversion in place and 10 additional signs, have been reported damaged to police.
Another eight barriers have also been reported missing from the site.
Aberdeenshire Council has now resorted to deploying CCTV cameras in the area, while police continue to carry out inquiries.
Philip McKay, head of roads and infrastructure, condemned the “unacceptable” act of vandalism.
He said: “These damaged and missing ‘safety critical’ signs will cost Aberdeenshire Council and ultimately the taxpayer around £5,500 to replace.
“This road is closed for very good reason and removal of these signs does increase the risk of a road user unexpectedly coming upon members of our team, large construction vehicles or, indeed, open excavations.
“Damaging, removing or ignoring site safety signs compromises the safety of everyone and is an extremely irresponsible act.”
Staff abused by unhappy drivers
The local authority has also raised concerns about several other incidents when staff on site have been verbally abused by drivers.
Mr McKay said that such behaviour is becoming increasingly common in the region and urged the public to be more understanding and respectful to their workforce.
He said: “The safety and welfare of our employees is our number one priority, and nobody should be exposed to this type of abuse in the workplace.
“We understand that roadworks and road closures will cause some disruption and inconvenience, which is regrettable.
“However, the significant improvement that will be made to the drainage and surfacing of the carriageway at this location will bring long-term benefits which I am sure will more than outweigh any minor inconvenience suffered.”
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