CPO granted in row over Don bridge

CONTROVERSIAL plans for a third bridge over the River Don to ease traffic congestion in Aberdeen took a significant step forward yesterday.

The Scottish Government has given the go-ahead for a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to create the crossing, linking the Parkway to St Machar Drive, following a public inquiry.

The planned £14 million crossing has already been approved by the city council, but objections were raised against the use of a CPO to buy the land.

Donald Carmichael, the government’s director of transport policy, said ministers had decided to confirm the order.

A city council spokesman said: “We received confirmation by letter. Officers will present a report on the decision and the third Don crossing to elected members in due course.”

Derick Murray, director of regional transport partnership Nestrans, welcomed the decision. He said: “A third crossing over the Don will improve access to the north of the city, bring significant benefits in terms of traffic flow and make a tangible difference to those visiting, living and working in the area.”

But Lewis Macdonald, the North-east Labour MSP, said local residents would be disappointed with the decision.