SAFETY ISSUES RE ONLY ALTERNATIVE ACCESS ROUTES AFTER ROAD CLOSURE (BY FOOT)

After the mudslide, at the beginning of December on the Harbour Road, Gardenstown the only road into the bottom of the village has been closed by Aberdeenshire Council. The road is used for access to some 120 properties and numerous businesses. 

The road is closed by a padlocked gate, and vehicular and pedestrian access is forbidden. The only access to properties is via one of the two steep steps which are in very poor condition. There is no facility at all for elderly, disabled or anyone with poor mobility.

Emergency access is questionable as keys have to be collected for emergency services to unlock gates to provide assistance. Speedy response is there for made almost impossible.

Steps 1 – Access from Upper Harbour Road to Lower Harbour Road. Steps wind down the hill.

Steps Access 1

Crumbling base

Crumbling moss covered

Uneven crumbling steps

Wide gaps

Steps come away from edge

Large cracks

DSC_0877

Crumbling top step

Steps wind down to road below

Steps wind down

Crumbling base

Crumbling moss covered

Large cracks

Steps wind down to road below

Steps wind down

Loose stones and gaps in steps

Steps 2 – Access from Braeheid to Lower Harbour Road and Seatown. 

The ‘Lang Stair’

Trip hazard at top

Uneven steps and rusted metal

Rusty handrails and cracks

Top view of ‘Lang Stair’

Crumbling steps

Crumbling base

Crumbling platform to steps

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