Tonight I was at the monthly meeting of Portlethen and district community council, which was a lively affair with heart-felt views being aired. Eight members of the public and three Aberdeenshire councillors were present.
There was much discussion about what type of stand the community council should have at Saturday’s gala. The aim is to tell residents what the community council does and more importantly what residents would like to see improved locally. There was disappointment expressed about the need for more volunteers to help. For example, apparently only one person from Hillside had come forward after a public appeal.
A gala dance will be held in the church hall on 5 September, with tickets costing £5.
There was agreement that there is much that residents could do to make Portlethen a better place, including a fireworks display and an environmental improvement group, but as CC member Alex Reid said there is a lack of volunteers to make it happen.
A discussion followed about how better the CC could let residents know what it does. Two members of the public said they were unaware of the CC, with one adding he only skimmed through the Clochandighter magazine and didn’t look at Facebook. Former vice chairman Kevin Fraser described CC members as unsung heroes.
There was good news about the plans for allotments, with progress being made in securing land. Very positive.
This Christmas there might be a decorated tree at the site of the new shops at Hillside. This would complement the traditional tree opposite the Asda shops.
A police report said there had been 125 incidents since the last CC meeting, mainly road traffic accidents, domestic incidents and vandalism. There had also been vehicle thefts locally and householders were reminded to keep their front doors locked.
Aberdeenshire Council has withdrawn its adverts for a school crossing patroller at Portlethen Primary School. Instead the council hopes to create a combined patroller/caretaker role at the school, which would hopefully attract applicants.
Chairman Ron Sharp urged local organisations to apply to the Meikle Carewe wind farm fund. CC member Paul Melling pointed out it was important that the criteria was met by applicants, as this had been a problems in the past.
Vice chairman Ian Bruce reported that because of extra children moving unexpectedly into the area the senior classes at Portlethen Primary School had to be reshuffled twice in a week. The parent council has had to cancel meetings because no janitorial cover was available.
The building and opening of Hillside primary school is eagerly awaited. A public meeting is to be held next month.
The meeting also heard about the plans by Aberdeen City Council for a power from waste plant on the south side of the city. Questions were also asked about a national ban from 2020 on biodegradeable waste going to landfill. How will this impact on Aberdeenshire?