Major concerns have been raised about a temporary bus route to make way for Aberdeen’s winter festival – including placing a stop on a busy dual carriageway.
A local councillor has branded plans to also erect the bus stop at the bottom of a dark alleyway “sheer stupidity” after Aberdeen City Council admitted it would not be suitable for shoppers who have trouble walking.
Changes to bus routes in the city centre have been released by the local authority in preparation for this year’s Christmas Village, part of the council’s Winter Festival.
As part of the plans, Union Terrace will be closed to all vehicles from November 26 to January 3 to allow revellers to enjoy the market stalls, funfair rides and ice skating.
To compensate for the lack of bus stops on the busy city centre street, a temporary stop will be installed on the Denburn Road dual carriageway at the lay-by at the bottom of Patagonian Court.
The alleyway, which has numerous steps, leads up to Belmont Street.
Ward councillor Bill Cormie said it was “no place” to install a bus stop.
“To expect folk, particularly children and the elderly, to come off there in a 30mph speed zone is ridiculous, especially at this time of year when it’s getting darker in the early mornings and evenings,” he said.
“It’s no place to drop off children, elderly folk or anybody. It’s a lot of steps to get up, and impossible for some folk.
“The lay-by that they’re proposing to use as a bus stop is also where a waste recycling point is – there’s broken glass and all sorts lying around there.
“They should get this out of their head completely, it’s sheer stupidity.”
A spokeswoman for the council said all decisions about the temporary route were taken after listening to what the public thought would be best.
“Alternative bus stops for Union Terrace have been provided for First Aberdeen and Stagecoach passengers on Skene Square, Rosemount Viaduct, Wapping Street and in the existing lay-by on Denburn Road,” she said.
“The lay-by at Denburn Road at Patagonian Court was requested by the public which we have agreed to.
“It will not be suitable for people with walking difficulties but allows access to Belmont Street for a large number of customers without having to go via the other shops, or via Guild Street.”
A spokeswoman for First Aberdeen said they were determined to “minimise” disruption to services throughout Christmas.
“We are looking at temporary changes to service 3, along with 1/2, 4 and 12,” she said.
“We expect additional temporary bus stops on Rosemount Viaduct and Denburn to be in operation and will be announcing detailed routes and passenger information later this week.
“We will certainly do our utmost to limit the disruption being caused to bus services by these road closures over the festive period and are determined to keep any inconvenience to our passengers to a minimum.”