But more importantly it included some issues which may of interest locally.
BUSES – Councillors agreed that the local authority should be a member of the North East of Scotland Bus Alliance Quality Partnership. Its aims include arresting the decline in passenger numbers and improving the performance of bus services. The partnership has a passenger charter which says that bus operators will “provide a modern, accessible and high quality fleet. I took the opportunity to point out that many would not agree that the X7 buses are “accessible”.
The report also mentioned the proposed park and ride north of Portlethen. I asked officers what the next steps are in that regard. I was told that it “very much exists as a project, and has been in the strategy for a number of years.” I was assured it is still on the agenda.
CYCLE ROUTES – A local transport strategy update contained the news that officers have submitted bids to Sustrans for funding for the design of a cycle route from Portlethen to Wellington Road, which I described as the missing link. Bids have also been submitted for financial support for the construction of cycle routes in Portlethen from Muirend Road to Badentoy Road and on Cookston Road. There is more at https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/news/local/council-beats-a-path-to-sustrans-door-for-cycle-route-funding/
WINTER ROADS – There was much discussion about improving the roads winter service, in light of recent experiences, which cost the council more than £7m, compared to a average winter spend of £4m.
Mention was made of the lock-block roads in Portlethen which became skating rinks, the need for more, suitably situated grit bins, clearing playgrounds, improved planning of treatment for priority routes, enlisting more help from farmers, better communications, and involving the public in helping themselves.
I urged officers to provide more grit bins, and in the right places.
A root and branch review of policies are to be carried out by dedicated staff, with further reports to come back to councillors.
DOGS – Councillors agreed that a report with various options be taken to area committees about the presence of dogs in school grounds, enclosed council playparks and cemeteries. This could see dogs being banned from these specific places, either as a result of a policy decision or perhaps as a new by-law. Another option would be to take no action. A final decision will be made by the infrastructure services committee after the summer recess.