Work to install super-fast broadband in an Aberdeenshire town led to further disruption yesterday – the day before a major road closure comes into effect.
BT closed a section of Station Road in Ellon as the last piece of work to bring fibre optic broadband to the town got underway
The work to bring high-speed internet to Ellon had been due to finish in late February.
It comes as Ellon’s South Road, between the Cromleybank Farm road and the roundabout with the A90 Aberdeen to Peterhead route, closes today until April 19.
The route is being shut off to allow for work at the new entrance to Ellon Academy, which is due to open in August.
Ellon councillor, Richard Thomson, said: “While people will be happy that Ellon’s broadband infrastructure is being improved, it’s unfortunate that the BT works have gone on longer than planned.
“Just like with the planned works which are due to start on South Road for the new academy, the long term gain will outweigh the short term pain, even though it’s inconvenient at the moment.”
Ellon councillor Isobel Davidson said: “It was right at the junction with Union Street a few weeks ago and that was a bit more chaotic. This time it has been really, really quick. It has not been too much of an issue.
“I think they (BT) have taken a heck of a long time. It would have been great if we had it a lot more quickly. It has taken a long time to get this far. I am pleased to hear they are nearly done.”
Yesterday an Aberdeenshire Council spokeswoman said: “The works were due to finish today, I think they wanted to get it done before the South Road closure.”
A BT spokesman said: “Roadworks can be necessary for many engineering reasons and are undertaken in accordance with statutory requirements and working with local authorities.
“We’re sorry for any disruption while these works take place but we would not be undertaking work unless it was essential.”