Today’s Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee saw a number of local issues being discussed.
DEVELOPER CONTRIBUTIONS – Officers have been instructed to report back to councillors on the current and future status of the park and ride project north of Portlethen.
It was also agreed that the infrastructure recommended for the use of the sustainable-related developer contributions associated with the Schoolhill development is to be explored in more detail. This includes simultaneously looking at alternative uses of this money within the available time-frame.
SOLD Councillors have agreed to the sale of the former Maryculter East School.
FIRE SERVICE In an annual report to councillors, the fire and rescue service reported there had been no fire fatalities in the area in 2017/18, and only a slight increase in accidental dwelling fires. Of such incidents 90% of homes have working smoke alarms.
Councillors were assured there are no plans to close any of the three stations in the area (Stonehaven, Inverbervie and Laurencekirk).
GRANT Newtonhill was awarded a £4150 grant towards 50% of the cost of replacing the village’s festive lights. This is subject to a review of the festive lights policy which will be presented to the council’s infrastructure services committee in June.
The village plans to purchase 32 low-wattage, light-emitting diode festive lights. Three of the 12 area councillors voted against awarding the grant at this time.
CHANGES The council’s community learning and development service has been realigned to focus on those in greatest need. This includes make transitions throughout life (e.g. from school to work), workforce development, and supporting communities to be strong, resilient and inclusive.
Examples given were helping Syrians settle in Scotland, providing English tuition for speakers of other languages, reducing offending by supporting people on release from prison, and supporting activity to reduce alcohol use.
A90 SERVICES On a 7-5 vote councillors approved an application for planning permission in principle for services just off the A90 near Luthermuir. This would include a farm shop, cafe, restaurant, studio units, an hotel, and a petrol station. HGV vehicles would not be allowed access. The development would be modelled on the Tebay North services in Cumbria.
The application now goes to the infrastructure services committee for consideration.
EARLY LEARNING Councillors heard of plans to refurbish part of Portlethen Primary School to expand the capacity of the early learning and childcare provision, This will help meet the Scottish Government’s commitment to expand entitlement to funded early childcare from 600 hours to 1140 hours by 2020. It is expected that this project could be delivered in 2018/19.
I already asked. How many of a population is required to have a Police Office available for say perhaps 8.00 hrs to 18.00 within a residential area.? but what would be the requirements of households , buildings occupied by public to qualify for a Fire engine, with even Standby crews available on the end of a phone. Or as one keeps going an Ambulance. Oh sorry Portlethen and all the new environs might not qualify??? Portlethen could even be an ideal spot for a quick emergency to dual carriageway and the new diversions when completed.
Unfortunately the likelihood of Portlethen having a police station that opens to the public is at the moment next to none. Similarly a new fire station. Police Scotland and the Scottish fire service are looking to save money by closing premises (amongst other cutbacks).