Families warned of unstable cliffs peril

FAMILIES living in the shadow of an unstable cliff face were yesterday urged to sign liability waivers to allow vital work to begin to prevent the threat of a landslide devastating their homes.

Eight months ago scores of residents were forced to flee their homes in the harbour area of Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire following two landslips on the Bervie Braes, the cliff that towers over the town.

And in March finance secretary John Swinney announced a plan to stabilise the slopes by driving huge metal rods into the cliffs in a 3 million scheme which will be funded by both the Scottish Government and Aberdeenshire Council.

But the council yesterday revealed it was still waiting for the majority of affected residents to complete their signed waivers, agreeing to the work, to allow the stabilisation scheme to begin.

A spokesman said: "Liability waivers were issued to 94 households in May with a request that they be returned by 2 July. Despite further letters and many appeals, only 22 waivers have been completed, and 19 partially completed. In a number of these instances there are on-going discussions with property owners. There are still 53 waivers which have not been returned. Securing signed waivers is an important part of the project and significant delays could ultimately impact upon the programme."