campaign for a safe route for cyclists and walkers between Newtonhill and Portlethen

8.00.00pm GMT Sun 31st Jan 2010

A campaign for a safe route for cyclists and walkers between Newtonhill and Portlethen is making progress. Local councillors have been pressing for the route via East Cammachmore after they received a petition from pupils at Portlethen Academy.

Councillor Paul Melling said: \"A study is taking place looking at a potential new cycleway link between Newtonhill and Portlethen immediately west of the railway line.

\"This missing link would allow safe and convenient walking and cycling between the two communities away from busy A90 dual carriageway.

\"It would address the safety concerns of pupils at the academy, some of whom live in Newtonhill and could use the route to travel to school.\"

Fellow local councillor Ian Mollison added: \"Council officers have told me that the design is progressing well.

\"An estimate of the likely construction costs will be prepared shortly. These will be used to investigate potential sources of grant funding for the project.

\"Meanwhile negotiations are taking place with local landowners who would be affected. I hope that agreement in principle can be reached in the near future.\"