Residents in Banff and Macduff are being urged to share their opinions on new community facilities for the area.

An event will be held today (11 December) to allow locals to view the plans and make suggestions for new or updated sports, music and arts facilities in the twin towns.

The plans were developed following discussions with the local community throughout the summer months, and if approved, could see improved facilities at Banff Academy, The Deveron Centre and in Macduff at Myrus and the Arts Centre.

If supported, the plans at Banff Academy will see an all-weather running track with a grassed area able to accommodate a range of outdoor sports. There are also plans for an outside all-weather synthetic pitch with new changing facilities as well as improvements to the existing tennis courts.

Proposals for the Deveron Centre could include a sports hall, a squash facility, fitness suite, dance studio, community room and new café and sitting area all on the ground floor. The first floor will include a youth room, meeting room, community and playgroup rooms, a kitchen and viewing areas over the sports facilities.

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For Macduff, the plans could include a new synthetic all weather pitch, an improved grass pitch, a three-court sports pavilion and community room at Myrus. There would also be major improvements to the Macduff Arts Centre, which would be able to accommodate music recording as well as providing a performance and theatre area.

Following the formal consultation process the council could progress to a major planning application in January 2014.

Wilfred Weir, Head of Policy and Resources for Education, Learning and Leisure, said: "The plans are recommendations from officers of the council based on our extensive previous consultations and discussions with local people.

"This is a chance for people to make their views heard at the latest stage in the process and have them incorporated into the plans. Last month, for example, we held a consultation meeting with a variety of groups who will use the facilities during which we were able to clarify a number of features for the community while also taking on board their feedback."

Head of Property at Aberdeenshire Council Allan Whyte added: "This could be the biggest shake up of community facilities in Banff and Macduff for a generation and it is crucial we get it right. That is why it is so important the community have their say on the plans and I would urge anyone with an interest to come along on Wednesday and let us hear their feedback."

The consultation event will be held at Macduff Town Hall on Wednesday 11 December between 3pm and 8pm.

(JP/IT)