A war of words has broken out between two north-east councillors over a decision to drop plans for a new play park.
Work on a £12.7million scheme to build sports and leisure facilities in Banff and Macduff is already underway.
But now Councillor Hamish Partridge has criticised a move to change the plans for the flagship Myrus Sports Complex project by scrapping the inclusion of a children’s play area.
He said the proposed play equipment had proved popular during the council’s public consultation events, and that a decision taken by councillors and officers to remove it without further consultation was “unacceptable”.
“During the consultation period for the facilities the public were asked and part of that consultation was a play park,” Mr Partridge said.
“It is a community facility, so there has to be something for everyone. The play park is an important part of any community and to take it out without any consultation or discussion or where to replace or relocate it is unacceptable.”
The Troup SNP councillor added that he has now asked council officers to revisit the decision.
But Councillor Mark Findlater, who has commended council staff and contractors for the “fantastic” progress which has already been made on site, said the safety of children is paramount.
“We had a proper area meeting at the site and Councillor Hamish Partridge was not there. We had the area manager and architect of the project and we went around the site,” the Conservative councillor said.
“There is not that much space left because it is now full of a multimillion-pound leisure facility. The bit that’s left, there’s not that much space for a play park.”
Mr Findlater – a member of the local safety group – said that although “obviously” the play equipment will be relocated, the question now is where it will go.
“We will have further consultation, officers will be on hand at the next community council meeting to hear suggestions.”
He added: “The only bit of space left is right beside a car park and a access onto Myrus Road. I would rather it went somewhere safe.”
Last night Mr Partridge said he was unable to attend the site visit due to business commitments.