Busy times tonight at the monthly meeting of Newtonhill, Muchalls and Cammachmore Community Council. Eleven residents ventured out to the Skateraw Hall on a horrible night, plus two of us councillors. Here’s a brief recap on key issues:

DRUGS – The meeting heard from the police that a search warrant for cannabis was executed in Newtonhill last month.

BANNERS – A lengthy statement from Transport Scotland and Police Scotland was read to the meeting addressing concerns about demonstrations on flyovers, including the Newtonhill one over the A92 trunk road. In essence, BEAR Scotland and the police will act on complaints about banners being fixed to the flyovers or flying from them as they have the potential to distract drivers or obstruct the carriageway.

VILLAGE ENTRANCES – Muchalls residents are not keen to have a rock with the entrance bearing the village’s name. A bid for funding from the Meikle Carewe wind farm community fund for a village name rock in Newtonhill will be considered on 28 October.

POTHOLES – Much frustration was expressed over the lack of progress in repairing potholes in the villages. Aberdeenshire Council is still seeking a contractor to carry out the work.

TENNIS COURTS – Sources of funding are being sought to upgrade the courts in Newtonhill.

TRAVEL SURVEY – The community council has submitted a response to transport partnership Nestrans which is has been carrying out a survey on the Aberdeen to Laurencekirk corridor. It was a balanced submission, according to vice-chair Alison Daniels, covering issues including pedestrian use of the A92 underpass between Newtonhill and Cammachmore, cycling routes, bus services and the pros and cons of reopening Newtonhill station.

SKATERAW HALL – There was a welcome for a £8000 grant from Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee to close the purchase of the hall from private owners. The entry date should be 17 December.

MUCHALLS BEACH – An application to Aberdeenshire Council’s Coastal Communities Challenge Fund is being considered towards the cost of restoring the path to Muchalls Beach.

WEEDS – The pavement south from Cammachmore is covered with weeds. Aberdeenshire Council is to be asked to take action.

BUSES – Stagecoach is to be contacted about the lack of daytime 7B services from Skateraw Road in Newtonhill to Stonehaven. Concerns will also be relayed about drop-off points in Aberdeen city centre.

STREET LIGHTS – A lamp-post has been missing for four years in Dunnyfell Road, Muchalls.

INTERESTED? – The next meeting will be held on 17 November, from 7.30pm