Aberdeenshire Council have voted not to proceed with a proposal to maintain the Nightwatch service at Macduff harbour.
A meeting of the Full Council heard a proposal put forward by Councillor Ross Cassie (SNP-Troup) which would have maintained the service which the Conservative-led administration axed from their budget earlier this year.
The meeting also heard from local skipper John Clark who spoke of the importance of the service to the Banffshire port. The cost-saving measure is estimated to save around £155,000 per year while the economic benefit to the local economy of Macduff Harbour is estimated at over £11million per year which is now under threat.
Speaking after the decision, which saw a majority of councillors vote to suspend Standing Orders so the original decision could be discussed, but fell short of the 2/3rds majority required, Cllr Ross Cassie said:
“I would like to thank John Clark for his input on behalf of the Macduff Harbour Users to the meeting. He spoke from a position of knowledge and certainly made his points very well.
“The decision not to look again at this cut – despite my highlighting where the funding can come from and John Clark highlighting the charges that are already being implemented covering well in excess of the initial savings – will be met with dismay in Macduff and threatens the economy of the harbour.
“I remain happy to work with our harbour users and Aberdeenshire Council to ensure a safe system at Macduff Harbour. That as a minimum must contain 24 hours coverage, 7 days a week. That coverage cannot be reliant on CCTV. CCTV has never pulled a person out of the harbour. I will not review my decision to resign as a Duty Holder until that is met and confirmed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
“All I see is the Tory-led Council Administration knowing the cost of everything and value of nothing. You cannot put a price on human life.”
