Work to improve Oldmeldrum town centre, its appearance and the experience and safety of visitors is now almost complete.

Improvements were drawn up by a local working group and residents and businesses have been consulted throughout the project.

A large part of the work is now complete and local businesses are keen for the wider Aberdeenshire community to come and see what the town now has to offer.

As well as a range of locally-owned businesses providing quality services and goods, the pedestrian-friendly town centre offers a range of eating places and is only a short walk from the visitor centre at the Glengarioch Distillery and the Pleasure Park with its range of play equipment and skate park.

The town also offers a soft play facility and nearby is the Lochter outdoor activity centre - so there is something for the whole family to enjoy.

Improvements to facilities and infrastructure have been made using planning gain funds from local development, cash from Aberdeenshire Council and the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Regeneration Fund.

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The opening of the town’s bypass and a new town centre weight-limit helped provide an opportunity to create a more attractive and pedestrian-friendly environment catering for the needs of the less able and families with push-chairs.

New roads, footpaths and car parking have now been brought back into use despite the addition of significant extra works to the project.

This included granite sett paving for the car park in the square, funded by the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.

The reconstruction of the central area in front of the town hall provides more useable public space, which it is hoped will be an attractive new location for events.

To assist, power supplies are available via an underground supply unit, which also provides a substantial base for a Christmas tree.

The square is the first in Aberdeenshire where there are no road markings or signs, which is in line with current thinking regarding the reduction of street clutter.

This approach contributes both to the visual appeal of the square and to a reduction in traffic speeds by removing priority for particular traffic flows. So far it appears to be working without significant problems.

“The contractor is still working to finish off minor details and the zebra crossing is not yet fully operational, but the majority of the work is now done and has a really positive effect,” said Formartine Area manager Keith Newton.

“I am pleased that as part of the project we have been able to support local businesses and property owners to carry out improvements to their properties, all of which helps to create a much more welcoming and attractive town centre for people to enjoy.”

(GK)