Tonight Portlethen’s community council met and as usual discussed a wide range of issues. Two members of the public and three Aberdeenshire councillors were there. Here are some of the items that caught my attention:
– A police officer was also present as the community council discussed the recent unauthorised encampment by travellers north of Hillside. There was consensus that the police’s hands are tied and that stricter laws are required. But until there are official halting sites it would appear this will be a recurring issue. The officer confirmed that there had been one attempted shoplifting incident at Asda. He added that some people from the settled community also commit shoplifting. The site currently favoured by travellers is owned by Scottish Ministers.
– The chairman said he had had a complaint about a speeding mobility scooter. Apparently the maximum speed allowed on a pavement is 4mph.
– It is proposed that the access road into the City South industrial area at Hillside is called Pioneer Drive.
– Work has started on resurfacing the rutted Bruntland Road.
– Aberdeenshire Council has turned down a request for more Christmas lighting fitments on street lights in Muirend Road or outside Portlethen Academy.
– Kincardine and Mearns community safety group is to continue for the moment, at least to its next annual general meeting. There is some £3000 available for suitable projects. Applications are welcome. One option suggested was a defibrilator in Old Portlethen.
– BT has given an assurance that there are sufficient phone number available for the Portlethen area.
– A suggestion was made that Aberdeenshire Council should use compulsory purchase orders to buy empty properties such as flats and houses so they can be put to use.
– The next meeting is on 25 August.