Aberdeen faces legal battle over Don bridge

ABERDEEN is set for another protracted legal battle over a major transport link following the decision of local residents to launch a court bid to block a third proposed bridge across the River Don.

Two months ago the Scottish Government gave the go ahead for a compulsory purchase orders to create a new £15.8 million crossing, linking the Parkway to St Machar Drive, to east traffic congestion in the city.

But it has now been confirmed that residents living in the path of the new bridge route are to press ahead with a legal challenge at the Court of Session.

Glen and Susan Morrison, who have been served with compulsory purchase orders, have been granted legal aid to help pursue their case. The couple, who live at Meadow Place in Tillydrone, are set to lose more than half of their front garden if the scheme goes ahead.

Mr Morrison said: “We are hoping that the bridge does not go ahead. I am not stopping progress for the city or anything like that but it might be worth looking at alternative routes.”

He stated: “I understand that we need a third Don crossing but to come through Tillydrone is unbelievable. It’s highly populated are and I wouldn’t like to stay here if it goes ahead.”

An Aberdeen City Council spokesman said: “Aberdeen City Council has not yet received confirmation of any court action being brought in relation to compulsory purchase orders raised for the Third Don Crossing and so it would be inappropriate to comment on any legal action being taken.”