Save Canal Park campaign gathers pace as court battle looms
Its future will be decided in the Court of Session
The future of Canal Park in Banff is up in the air with the Save Canal Park campaign set to take on Aberdeenshire Council at the Court of Session.
The green space is currently used by four adult and youth football clubs, Deveronvale FC, Deveronvale Community FC, Banff Rovers and Macduff AFC.
Any sale of the space needs to be approved by the court however, and Save Canal Park are ready to dispute any proposal.
“This group has now been constituted so that we can be part of the process in deciding what happens to Canal Park", said founder Mary Arnold.
"We are objecting to the sale of the grounds for several reasons and feel it is important for our community to be represented and for our collective voice to be heard.”
They've also gathered political support, with the Scottish Greens saying that this is an example of "communities being ignored".
Co-Convener of the local branch of the party, and Banff resident, Louise McCafferty said: “The local branch of the Scottish Greens wholly support the Save Our Canal Park campaign.
"As Greens, we believe people should have a real say on what happens in their local community and this is an example, yet again, of communities being ignored."
Aberdeenshire Council had no statement, however an update from the project's team read: Aberdeenshire Council is working towards the lodging of a petition in the Court of Session with all preparatory work almost complete.
"Once outstanding points have been clarified the petition will be finalised for lodging and interested parties will receive notice of any submission to court as appropriate."